Acute bilateral sequential vestibular neuritis.

Two cases of bilateral sequential vestibular neuritis demonstrate the significant persistent disequilibrium that follows involvement of the second ear. The etiology for the loss of vestibular function is postulated to be a viral neuritis. Vestibular suppressant drugs are helpful in relieving nausea and vomiting in the acute phase of the disease; however, they are of no therapeutic value for the protracted disequilibrium following involvement of the second ear. An awareness of this disorder as a disease entity will minimize diagnostic and therapeutic frustration on the part of the physician and provide a realistic prognosis for the patient. Unfortunately, the prognosis is for permanent but somewhat lessening disequilibrium with the passage of time and depends in great part on the subject's age.