Can MS cause vestibular problems?

Symptoms arising from vestibular system dysfunction are observed in 49–59% of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Symptoms may include vertigo, dizziness and/or imbalance.

Is vestibular neuritis a symptom of MS?

Vestibular dysfunction has long been recognized as causing some of the most common symptoms in MS, true vertigo is found at presentation in up to 17% of patients, several recent reports have suggested that vestibular symptoms develop early in the disease process.

Do you get nystagmus with vestibular neuritis?

The key signs and symptoms of vestibular neuritis are rotatory vertigo with an acute onset lasting several days, horizontal spontaneous nystagmus (with a rotational component) toward the unaffected ear, a pathologic head-impulse test toward the affected ear, a deviation of the subjective visual vertical toward the …

What is the most common cause of unilateral vestibular loss?

The most common cause for this is vestibular neuritis (labyrinthitis if hearing loss also occurs) and most patients will recover from this completely with vestibular rehabilitation therapy. Other causes include Meniere’s syndrome, head truma and a benign tumor known as a vestibular schwannoma.

What kind of dizziness is associated with MS?

Overview. Dizziness is a common symptom of MS. People with MS may feel off balance or lightheaded. Much less often, they have the sensation that they or their surroundings are spinning — a condition known as vertigo.

Is there a link between vertigo and MS?

Can nystagmus be unilateral?

Notably, when the nystagmus appears unilateral, it is more often asymmetric rather than truly unilateral. Nystagmus may be congenital or acquired.

Does MRI show vestibular neuritis?

Does vestibular neuritis show up on MRI? No. The damage from vestibular neuritis occurs at the level of nerves and neural cells.

Can MRI detect vestibular neuritis?

Does vestibular neuritis show up on MRI? No. The damage from vestibular neuritis occurs at the level of nerves and neural cells. MRI tests or CT scans do not have the resolution to show this level of detail.

What does MS balance problems feel like?

Balance: Balance problems typically result in a swaying and “drunken” type of gait known as ataxia. Sensory deficit: Some people with MS have such severe numbness in their feet that they cannot feel the floor or know where their feet are. This is referred to as a sensory ataxia.