[Carolyn (OP)]

Several years ago I was diagnosed with Benign Positional Vertigo.  It hasn't bothered me in a long time.  Lately, after an ear infection, I've had several episodes.  The more serious one was a few weeks ago at the top of my very steep stair case.  I became very dizzy, lost my balance and fell.  Today, instead of doing my morning walk in the bear infested park, I decided to go on the bridge.  I was fine for the first 20 minutes or so, but all of sudden I got really dizzy and had a hard time keeping my balance.  Looking at the water seemed to make it worse.  It was probably the worst episode I've had.  I was seriously concerned about losing my balance and falling off the bridge. 

Does anyone know what causes this and do I have to live with this forever?

I don't know if this is relevant or not, but as a young child of about 6, I was deaf for about a year.

[another_someone]

Balance is all within the inner ear, so if you have problems with your inner ear, you will have problems with balance.

I suspect the ear infection you had has not properly gone away.

Sure others will have a better idea, but I would guess it is something that will come and go.

[DoctorBeaver]

Have you got vertigo?

No, I only live round the corner!  []