dizziness, altered taste...

  Off and on for several years I have been having periodic dizzy spells.  They range from causeing nausea to a mild disoriented feeling.  I can go months inbetween, but since the birth of my 3rd child 2 months ago it has been happening almost daily.  I saw my family Dr about it and he felt I was just dehydrated (I'm nursing the baby)and ordered me to drink 3 quarts of water a day.  I have been doing that religiously for 3 weeks and the dizziness has gotten worse, some times lasting all day.  I have also had some popping and ringing of the ears, almost as if the ear closes for a second or two and I suddenly cannot hear back ground noise, though I have no trouble discerning voices. I thought I had an ear infection but my Dr said not. And now(in the past week) I have noticed a change in the taste of sugary foods.  It is similar to the way tooth paste alters the taste of orange juice (though its not that specific taste) I can not stand the taste of anything sweet now, it tastes slightly bitter.  
  My husband is convinced I have a brain tumor.  I have an appointment with my family dr, but not for some time.  Do these symptoms sound like they need to be seen more promptly, or that they are related?
  Thank you,
  Meg

[CCF Neuro[P] MD RPS]

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Dear Meg:
Sorry that it sometimes takes a long time to answer some postings.  What you are describing is a peripheral vestibular problem.  This may be due to alot of things, and it should be checked out by a good neurologist.  It doesn't sound like a schwannoma or something on that order, but in medicine we never say never.  Go have it checked out.  The taste loss is probably something unrelated.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD