Investigation of seasonal variability of vestibular neuronitis.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the incidence of vestibular neuronitis displays seasonal variation.

METHODS

A retrospective case review was performed to determine the monthly and quarterly incidence of vestibular neuronitis over a 36-month period. Incidence values were compiled, and the chi-square test and Rayleigh test for circular means were used to assess for uneven distribution and seasonality, respectively.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients were diagnosed with vestibular neuronitis during the study period. The 2009-2010 study year showed uneven distribution and evidence of seasonality (R = 7.211, p < 0.001). However, the other two study years did not show statistical significance using either the chi-square test or Rayleigh test. In addition, when incidence values were aggregated across all three years of the study, neither the chi-square test nor Rayleigh test showed statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

The present study found minimal evidence of seasonality in the incidence of vestibular neuronitis. These findings are consistent with studies of seasonality observed for other inner-ear disorders thought to be virally mediated.