Occasionally people will develop the abrupt onset of severe dizziness where either the patient or the room is spinning. It is horribly uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous. Vertigo is caused by damage to the inner ear’s balance apparatus ("labrynthitis") - usually by a viral infection, although other medical problems can cause vertigo - especially when it is a chronic problem. Usually a high dose injection of a short acting cortisone (pills sometimes work as well) can resolve the problem in 6-8 hrs. Anti-motion sickness medications (Antivert and others) can help, but can also make you groggy and more unsteady. High doses of ginger pills sometimes work. The major risk is injury from falls. Vertigo problems usually require medical attention.

October 22, 1999