Sudden spells of dizziness, possibly leading to falls, become an increasing problem as we age,Geriatrics (41 #7:31) reports. In some cases, the dizziness is a symptom of serious disorders, such as abnormal heart rhythms or “little strokes,” which need to be treated before they get any worse. Accordingly, anyone developing mysterious dizzy spells should tell a doctor about them right away.

Fortunately, however, dizziness is often not due to anything serious. In fact, many cases occur as a result of taking certain medicines, including aspirin, and clear up after they have been discontinued. Not all medications, however, have such reversible effects, and several (such as the antibiotics gentamicin or streptomycin) often cause dizziness followed by permanent hearing loss.

Because aspirin is usually taken without a doctor’s orders and is often not regarded as a “drug,” it is frequently overlooked as the cause of repeated dizzy spells.

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