I stopped driving on the freeway because I frequently get what I call a feeling of vertigo. Sometimes this sensation also occurs when riding on escalators. I can ride in the car as a passenger (on the freeway) and not experience the vertigo sensation. Epilepsy runs in my family (my older brother and younger sister), although I have not had any symptoms. I occasionally get severe headaches (light sensitivity/vomiting). I am a 44 year old woman named Barbara. My health in general is excellent (normal blood pressure, heart rate, etc.). I would appreciate any comments and suggestions you can give me. Thank you!
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It is possible that you are suffering from a mild inner ear disorder although the description of your symptom does not provide enough information to formulate an educated guess regarding diagnosis. If the symptom is frequent and has been present for some time I would recommend an evaluation by an otolaryngolgist or a neurologist. Isolated mild vertigo such as you describe, particularly if consistently associated with movement such as which occurs in an automobile, is not highly suggestive of epilepsy.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
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