This is inflammation of the vestibular nerve—the balance nerve—caused by a viral infection. Researchers suspect the culprit is a member of the herpes family.

Symptoms: Vertigo that can last for days; intense nausea and vomiting.

The fix: Drugs that stop dizziness by suppressing signals from the vestibular system, such as Ativan (lorazepam) and Valium (diazepam), as well as antinausea drugs like Antivert (meclizine). Acyclovir, which helps suppress herpes outbreaks, may also help. 

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