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Labyrinthitis: Colin's story
28 July 2010
In a new patient perspective article, published today, one patient describes the dizziness attacks that began in October 2008, leading eventually to a diagnosis of Uncompensated Labyrinthitis.
Colin Back's first bout of dizziness happened at the end of a working day, lasting for over 30 minutes.
An attack in public gave his confidence a severe knock:
"As I tried to walk my gait was very unsteady and I fell over. I looked up and saw a mother move her two children around me, saying, "That is what happens when people drink too much.”
"I was so embarrassed. I found myself avoiding social gatherings, even shopping," says Colin.
Labyrinthitis, or vestibular neuritis, is a viral infection of the inner ear. People with vestibular neuritis usually experience a sudden onset of dizziness with a spinning sensation (vertigo), accompanied by nausea (feeling sick) and general unsteadiness. These symptoms often develop a few days or weeks after a bad cold or influenza (the ‘flu).
There are many other conditions that can also cause dizziness and balance problems. The Brain and Spine Foundation has a comprehensive booklet on dizziness and balance problems and a fact sheet on vestibular rehabilitation exercises, both available free from this website, plus a new Dizziness and Balance online forum.
We are very keen to add to these resources with more patient perspectives, so if you have experienced dizziness and balance problems and would like to be featured on the website, please get in touch by email to helpline@brainandspine.org.uk.
Following his diagnosis, Colin is still experiencing dizziness and waiting for an appointment with a neuro-otologist. You can read his story here.
Further information
- Read Colin's story
- Dizziness and balance resources for patients
- Read our other patient perspective articles
