This condition causes 1-2 days of severe vertigo followed by feeling off balance (like being on a boat). It tends to come on all of a sudden and the vertigo is often described as completely debilitating. The vertigo is frequently associated with nausea and vomiting.

These conditions are rarer causes of vertigo, with 1 in 30,000 people every year getting them.

It frequently follows on from a cough or a cold in the preceding week and it is believed that most cases are caused by a viral infection.

Over time the symptoms settles, but some patients may be left with a reduced sense of balance and/or hearing.

There are very few good studies on this condition and as such there still remains considerable debate as to how this condition should be managed.

Nearly all specialists suggest the use of anti-sickness medication, bed rest at the beginning, early mobilisation after 48 hours, and balance physiotherapy for those with persisting symptoms.

Given that a virus is the most likely culprit, the use of anti-virals seems like a logical treatment. Similarly, given the known benefits of steroids in similar conditions that are also affected by inner ear swelling (sudden hearing loss and Meniere’s condition), it also seems logical that steroids should be used. However, the few studies that do exist have failed to show a large benefit with these treatments. Since each treatment has its own inconvenience and side effects, your specialist should discuss such treatments with you in detail before you agree on a course of action.