Re: LATEST THEORY: Brain Stem trauma?

I had similar symptoms a couple years ago. It's a terrible feeling and you have my sympathy. For me, the symptoms went away after a few days and haven't returned. I have since learned that this is very common.

Here's an idea you may want to discuss with your doctor: The cayenne may have caused swelling that dislodged crystals (which are normal) in your ear. When those crystals bounce around in your ear, they cause a condition known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

I have a friend who is a doctor and he sees this condition all the time. Luckily, there is a method of turning the head in a specific sequence that allows the crystals to settle in an area of the ear that doesn't cause dizziness.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vertigo/DS00534


Good luck!