Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Using Unidirectional Rotations to Improve Vestibular System Asymmetry in Patients with Vestibular Dysfunction
Published on: August 30, 2019
A prospective study on the course of anxiety after vestibular neuronitis
Frank Godemann1, Michael Linden, Peter Neu
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Hospital, Humboldt University at Berlin, Germany. frank.godemann@medizin.fu-berlin.de
Objective:
Critical life events trigger intense emotions. Anxiety is one of the most frequent of these emotions. It is unclear which factors determine the intensity and course of anxiety after a critical life event.
Method:
Anxiety levels of 92 patients in the 6 weeks after experiencing an acute vestibular disorder were examined. The influence of cognitive, personality and illness variables on the course of their anxiety was analyzed.
Results:
Acute vestibular disorder is accompanied by intensive anxiety. In most patients, anxiety decreased as vertigo regressed. Catastrophizing and dysfunctional cognitions and different personality styles predicted 17.6% of the anxiety 6 weeks after the functional loss of vestibular equilibrium.
Conclusions:
Acute vestibular disorder is a critical life event. Most individuals cope successfully with acute vestibular disorder. However, dysfunctional cognitions are risk factors for the persistence of anxiety.
Related Concept Videos
Equilibrium and Balance
The Vestibular System
