Ask Dr Miriam

QI’ve had an unpleasant attack of spinning and the sensation that I’m moving, often with nausea and, once or twice, vomiting. This attack came out of the blue. What could it be?

AThere are a number of possible causes but as your attack started suddenly the most common cause would be an infection of the balancing organ called labyrinthitis.

It usually starts as a viral infection such as the flu and usually lasts for one to two weeks. Your doctor can give you medication to help control the dizziness. Vertigo combined with deafness and tinnitus is called Meniere’s disease. And there’s a very rare but benign condition called acoustic neuroma affecting the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain.

To clarify the cause of your vertigo, you should see your doctor and possibly an ENT specialist to get a definite diagnosis and treatment.