Why I believe they were caused by Aspartame: Because they stopped when I stopped drinking diet beverages.
Did the symptoms go away? Yes, after about a month or two. For a period of some months in 1992, I had regular attacks, occurring about every 14 days, of vertigo where I couldn’t stand up, I couldn’t walk all I could do was hold onto the floor, vomit, and hold on for dear life for the 10-15 hours the attacks would last. When I stopped drinking diet drinks, the attacks continued for a month or two, with decreasing severity and intensity, and the time between the attacks got longer, until they stopped altogether. I haven’t had an experience like this since late 1992.
Did I see a doctor? Yes. I saw an ENT who performed extensive tests, including an MRI, to rule out brain tumor or a tumor in the ear exerting pressure on the vestibular system. He also ruled out drug use, wax buildup in the ear, and other ear-related problems.
Did the doctor think it was linked to Aspartame? No.
Did I report the symptoms? No. This is the first time I’m reporting it anywhere.
What specific products: Diet Coca-Cola, Crystal Light powdered drink mix
How much/how often: At least 6 12oz cans of Diet Coke a day; several 8-12 oz glasses of Crystal Light. It wasn’t bad for me, and calorie free, so what was the harm of drinking so much?
How long before I experienced symptoms? I don’t recall – it was 10 plus years ago, now – but probably some months. My first attack occurred over the July 4 weekend and continued into the fall. I probably started drinking the stuff as a means to lose weight that I had gained a lot over the holidays.