[Peripheral vestibular neuropathy and a central vestibular equivalent].

The results of the initial and follow-up examinations of 217 patients with vestibular neuritis and 63 patients with a so called "vestibular neuritis syndrome" were statistically evaluated and quantified using the vestibular index. The results for patients with vestibular neuritis were compared at the different stages to those of patients after neurectomy of the vestibular nerve. The site of the lesion in patients with vestibular neuritis may therefore be in the region of Scarpa's ganglion (retrolabyrinthine). Alternatively the total peripheral end-organ may be affected. This conclusion agrees with histopathological findings. The "vestibular neuritis syndrome" included patients with the same history as patients with true vestibular neuritis but with signs of a central-vestibular disturbance or a combination of a central and peripheral lesion of the vestibular system. In these cases the lesion may be situated closer to the vestibular nuclei or its central pathways. Both disorders were similar with respect to history, etiology and the prognosis.