Vertigo, a sensation of dizziness and spinning motion, can be debilitating and scary. It is characterized by the sudden onset of feeling that one's surroundings are in motion or spinning about them - even if they aren't moving - accompanied often by nausea, vomiting, hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus), balance problems, and unsteadiness when walking.

People may experience vertigo after an infection, such as a cold or sinus infection; however, it doesn’t make sense to put up with it anymore. We will discuss how long vertigo lasts on average, what you should do if you experience an attack, and steps to manage your vertigo symptom for prevention.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a condition that causes you to feel dizzy and have a spinning sensation. An inner ear infection can cause head trauma, changes in pressure, or other medical conditions like Meniere’s disease.

Vertigo usually appears suddenly and can cause imbalance while walking, nausea, vomiting, ear ringing (tinnitus), and hearing loss. The symptoms of vertigo can range from mild to severe and usually last anywhere from a few minutes up to several hours or days in some cases.

Factors that affect how long vertigo lasts

Vertigo can last from several seconds to weeks, depending on the underlying cause and severity.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo and typically lasts seconds to minutes. It’s often triggered by a change in head position, such as looking up or rolling over in bed.

Meniere’s disease

Meniere's disease is a neurological disorder of the inner ear that can cause vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and feeling pressure in the ear. It is believed to be caused by an accumulation of fluid in the labyrinth resulting from abnormal regulation of the endolymphatic system.

Symptoms vary in severity but typically include recurrent episodes of vertigo lasting from 20 minutes to several hours, fluctuating hearing loss and tinnitus, fullness or pressure in the ear, and a sense of imbalance.

Treatment may include diuretics to reduce fluid buildup in the inner ear, vestibular rehabilitation therapy to help build balance, and surgery if necessary.

Inner ear problems

Inner ear problems can cause various symptoms, such as dizziness, vertigo, hearing loss, and balance issues. These may result from infection (otitis media), injury to the head or neck area, damage to the auditory nerve, or underlying medical conditions such as Meniere’s disease.

In some cases, inner ear dysfunction can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies. Treatment of an inner ear problem can involve medications to reduce inflammation and infection, vestibular rehabilitation therapy to help with balance issues, and in some cases, surgery if necessary.

It’s important to see your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any symptoms related to an inner ear problem so they can diagnose and treat the condition as soon as possible. In some cases, early intervention can reduce the severity of symptoms or help prevent long-term complications.

Stroke or head injury

Stroke and head injury are serious medical conditions that can cause permanent damage to the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain or neck is blocked or bursts, preventing oxygen from reaching part of the brain.

Symptoms include facial drooping, numbness/loss of feeling on one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion, and difficulty walking. Head injuries can occur in any type of accident, including a fall or car crash, and are often the result of a direct blow to the head.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the severity of the trauma but may include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea/vomiting, memory loss, and changes in behavior.

Other factors

Other factors affecting the length of vertigo episodes include dehydration, low blood sugar, and high-stress levels. Dehydration can cause dizziness and lightheadedness, while low blood sugar can lead to dizziness or fainting. High-stress levels can trigger various symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability, insomnia, and vertigo.

Staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet, and pursuing stress-reduction activities such as yoga or meditation are important. Suppose you are experiencing frequent episodes of vertigo that don't seem related to any underlying condition. In that case, keeping a diary or log of your symptoms may be helpful so that your doctor can better understand the cause.

Trying to relax by focusing on simple breathing techniques or doing light stretching exercises when you experience vertigo symptoms can be helpful. Taking time out of your day to unwind and de-stress can alleviate some of the symptoms associated with vertigo.

What to do if you’re Experiencing Vertigo

If you experience an attack of vertigo, it's important to take steps to manage your symptoms. Lie in a dark, quiet room and focus on slowing your breathing. Avoid sudden changes in position, such as getting up quickly or looking up and down.

Focus on a stationary object while lying down and gently move your head from side to side to help re-calibrate your balance. If vertigo persists, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Some cases of vertigo may require a referral to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) for further testing or treatment.

Managing Vertigo Long-term

You can take several steps to reduce the severity of vertigo symptoms or prevent attacks. Be sure to get plenty of rest and maintain an adequate sleep schedule. Avoid activities that could trigger an attack, such as sudden changes in head position or intense physical activity. Wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid strong smells, loud noises, or bright lights.

Limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeine can also help reduce the intensity of vertigo attacks. Finally, if you are experiencing frequent episodes of vertigo, talk to your doctor about possible treatments or medications that may help reduce the severity of symptoms.

In addition to these lifestyle changes, vestibular rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial in managing long-term vertigo and improving balance. This type of physical therapy uses specific exercises to retrain the brain to better process signals from the inner ear and reduce dizziness.

Talk to your doctor about whether this therapy could be right for you. With the right treatment plan, you can reduce the intensity and frequency of vertigo attacks and take back control of your life.

FAQS

Will vertigo go away on its own?

In most cases, vertigo will go away independently with no treatment. However, if the episodes are severe and frequent or do not go away after a few weeks, you must consult your doctor for further evaluation and possible treatment.

Is vertigo a serious condition?

In most cases, vertigo is not a serious medical condition. However, it can indicate an underlying medical issue and should be evaluated by a doctor if the symptoms are persistent or severe. In some cases, long-term vertigo can cause ongoing balance problems and make everyday activities more difficult. It’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible if you are experiencing frequent episodes of vertigo.

Can lack of sleep cause vertigo?

Lack of sleep can increase the frequency and severity of vertigo symptoms. Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule is important to help reduce vertigo attacks. If you find it difficult to get enough restful sleep, talk to your doctor about possible treatments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, vertigo is a condition that can persist anywhere from a few hours to longer than a month in more severe cases. Even mild cases of vertigo can be enough to disrupt daily life for someone, and symptoms can arise suddenly and without warning. However, it's important to remember that effective treatments are available if you suffer from this condition. Taking steps such as avoiding triggers like excess caffeine or sugar, and engaging in balance exercises, can help to reduce the amount of time spent dealing with vertigo.