Balance issues

I am a 31 year old female and about three years ago, I had an "episode" where I felt that the room was spinning.  Ever since then, I have felt off balance.  A couple months after that, I noticed a bunch of "floaters" in my eyes, which may or may not be connected?  About a week ago, I again felt this spinning sensation and I've felt more off balance, headachy, and fatigued ever since.  I just finished nursing my 1-year old last month and I don't know if that is connected or not.  I am worried that this may be a serious condition, which is why I haven't seen a doctor.  It sounds silly, but I'd just like to know if this may be serious.  I don't want to fall with my 1-year-old and I'm tired of feeling tired, headachy, and off balance.  
I have done a little research and am scared if it might turn out to be multiple sclerosis or something of that nature.  If someone could please get back to me, I'd really appreciate it and I'm hoping it eases my mind.  
Thanks!

[Esteban Cheng-Ching, MD]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without the ability to review your history and examine you personally, I cannot comment on the cause of your symptoms. However, I will try to provide you with general information regarding your problems.

Dizziness and vertigo can occur from different conditions, including neurologic and non-neurologic conditions.
Conditions that affect the inner ear, or the brainstem can cause dizziness and vertigo.  The most likely explanation for your symptoms will be something in the inner ear, where the “peripheral control for balance” is located.  When this area is affected, patients complain of vertigo (room spinning around them) , nausea, vomiting, sometimes ear fullness or hearing loss.  Usually problems that affect the inner ear are not serious conditions, but can produce very uncomfortable symptoms.
Conditions like an ear infection can affect the middle ear, and subsequently affect the inner ear. With this you can have ear pain (not always), sometimes fever, and on examination the canal or the middle ear looks inflammed.
Laberynthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear, not usually associated with a bacterial infection, but likely from a viral infection or without a clear cause; and this usually goes away on its own. But you may need medications to suppress the vertigo and the other symptoms. Sometimes patients remain having some residual symptoms over many weeks before they feel completely fine.
Strokes in the brainstem can produce similar symptoms when specific structures are affected. This happens usually in older patients with risk factors for stroke, such as diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. However strokes can happen in young patients as well (rare). Usually this presents suddenly, and a good history and examination can help with the diagnosis, and to guide further tests if needed.
MS does not usually produce only vertigo or dizziness. MS is diagnosed with a group of symptoms and neurologic findings on exam, usually with the criteria of 2 or more episodes in 2 or more locations in the central nervous system. Dizziness and vertigo are not the usual presentation, and I don’t think MS is causing your symptoms as you describe.
Non-neurologic conditions that affect your general health, can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded and fatigue. Usually patients have other symptoms and complaints.
I think it is very important that you seek medical attention with you primary physician to find out what is the cause of your symptoms. This may help you so you get treated, and if is a simple condition, to get reassured.
Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.