This disorder tends to arise in the middle or late years of life. Each attack begins suddenly, usually with a buzzing in the ears and then severe giddiness.

It may be so severe that the person feels he is being thrown to the ground.

Consciousness is rarely lost. Nausea and vomiting are common.

The giddiness, nausea and vomiting are the same symptoms which occur with motion sickness due to a temporary disorder of the balance due to external motion.

The attacks last from 15 to 60 minutes but it may take the sufferer hours to fully recover.

Most attacks come on without any precipitating factor or any prior warning. They may occur during sleep.

Associated with the attacks of giddiness is a slowly developing nerve deafness and accompanied with the deafness is this condition of tinnitus or ringing in the ears which is often only noticed under quiet conditions.

The disorder can affect both ears.

The diagnosis is usually made on the history which involves those three factors of periodic giddiness, deafness and tinnitus.

The initial treatment is by drugs. Sedatives may be useful also a variety of the anti-histamine or anti-allergy drugs.

If those measures fail surgery must be considered.

Modern surgical procedures which have been made possible by the operating microscope can overcome the giddiness without damaging the auditory nerve and therefore preserve the hearing.

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Like alcohol, cannabis is an intoxicant and has similar effects on mood and the appreciation of time and distance.

It is not regarded as physically addictive as there are no withdrawal effects when the drug is not continually used. It may cause psychological dependence and regular use does have profound and well-documented effects, both on physical and mental health.

Those who use the drug in a happy atmosphere with friends may feel good and relaxed. Those who use it when flat and depressed may find it intensifies these feelings or it may induce hallucinations or a psychotic reaction.

Regular use, daily or even twice weekly, may lead to considerable apathy. This can influence school work, tertiary study or one’s job. Apathy and lack of drive can lead to poor food intake and poor personal hygiene and this can then adversely affect health.

Although there are laws which prohibit driving while under the influence of any drug, it is hard to obtain convictions unless substantiated with proof such as a blood alcohol level. It is difficult to obtain a conviction unless the level is so high that the person was obviously so affected that he could hardly stand without assistance, let alone drive.

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