Ian Purcell MD PHD
Otoneurology
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Dizzy Doctor

Dr. Purcell "Dizzy Doctor"

Gain deeper insights into the career and achievements of Dr. Ian Purcell, including his detailed CV and professional journey.
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About Dr. Purcell
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The "Dizzy Doctor"
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🌎 Dizzy Doctor Around the world

DizzyDoctor Systems

Explore Dr. Purcell’s innovative efforts in vestibular science, enhancing global understanding and treatment of balance disorders. Learn more about the technologies and methodologies transforming patient care worldwide.
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Research and Development
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Vertigo Recording Goggles
29.5657
106.5512
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26.0667
50.5577
38.9637
35.2433
45.1000
15.2000
21.4389
158.0001
8.4095
115.1889
41.3275
19.8187
37.4415
25.3667
71.2906
156.7886
39.0851
117.1994

Dr. Purcell's Global Mission

Discover the locations and initiatives where Dr. Purcell has made significant impacts on vestibular health.
858 223 2172
858 223 2172
Educational Resources
Viral Neuronitis & Labyrinthitis

Viral Neuronitis & Labyrinthitis

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Viral Neuronitis and Labyrinthitis are conditions characterized by an infection of the inner ear, usually caused by a virus, leading to inflammation and irritation. These conditions impact the vestibulocochlear nerve—responsible for balance, equilibrium, and hearing—resulting in symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, nausea, and sometimes changes in hearing.

Understanding Viral Neuronitis / Labyrinthitis

These conditions occur when a virus affects the inner ear, causing an immune response that leads to inflammation. If the inflammation is limited to the vestibular nerve, it's termed viral neuronitis. If both the cochlear and vestibular nerves are inflamed, it's called viral labyrinthitis. Symptoms often include severe vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and, in some cases, hearing loss or a sensation of fullness in the ears.

Symptoms and Phases

  • Acute Phase: Sudden onset of severe vertigo, possibly lasting hours to days, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
  • Chronic Phase: Persistent disequilibrium that gradually improves over weeks to months.

Diagnosis

Early evaluation is crucial. Diagnostic steps include:

  • Detailed symptom history.
  • Observation of nystagmus using infrared video oculography.
  • Comprehensive audiogram for asymmetric hearing loss.
  • MRI and CT scans to exclude other pathologies.
  • Further testing like videonystagmography (VNG) and vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) during the chronic phase.

Treatment

Prompt treatment is advised for the best outcomes:

  • Acute Phase: Anti-viral medication (e.g., Acyclovir, Valacyclovir) and steroids to reduce inflammation.
  • Chronic Phase: Vestibular rehabilitation to retrain the brain to process signals from the damaged vestibular system and practice VOR exercises.

Living with Viral Neuronitis / Labyrinthitis

With timely and effective treatment, most patients make a full recovery. Vestibular rehabilitation may be recommended for lingering symptoms of disequilibrium and imbalance.

Read More

Neuromuscular Disorders
Seizure Disorders
Cupulolithiasis
Memory Loss/Dementia
Post-Concussive Syndrome/Traumatic Brain Injury
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Acoustic Schwannomas
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Migraine Variant
Cardiac Arrhythmias
Nystagmus
Orthostatic Hypotension
Parkinson's Disease
Vestibular Migraine
Presbyastasis
Tinnitus
Sleep Apnea
Meniere's Disease
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Dizziness
Ian Purcell MD PHD
Otoneurology

We are a specialty Oto-Neurology practice focusing on complex vertigo and balance disorders.

OUR Location

7625 Mesa College Drive
Suite 200A
San Diego, CA 92111

Contact

PHONE:
  • (858) 223-2172
FAX:
  • (858) 533-8397
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