rae,
Flying Dutch is right, but be prepared for a very frustrating go of it with the docs. The causes cover a very broad range with diagnosis being very difficult unless something like a tumor can be quickly found. This seems to be one of those conditions where science gives way to "art". They'll eliminate the nasty causes first ( easy to find ) and go from there. You'll quickly be able to relax a bit.
Don't bother with your family doc; this is out of his league. It takes testing equipment and expertise he won't have. Go right for the big guns on this one. Most likely it's BPPV and will resolve itself. The ALPA docs told me they get a call a week about this condition so it's more common than you think. Ive talked to many guys who've had this thing.
Good luck.