Vertigo stops your world. How long does it last??
Answering the question at hand—” How long does vertigo last?”—can be a difficult one. That’s because vertigo isn’t a disease or condition itself; it’s just a symptom. Finding the cause of your vertigo is the first step in stopping episodes of vertigo from happening.
Generally, vertigo usually lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes. It can, however, last hours or even days. Vertigo isn’t the same thing as dizziness either; vertigo is defined as when you feel like your surroundings or moving or that you feel like you’re moving even when you’re holding still. It can be very disorienting, so it’s important to understand the question, “How long does vertigo last?” if you’re experiencing it.
What Impacts How Long Vertigo Lasts?
There are a couple of considerations here, but again, knowing the cause of your vertigo is the most important.
Inner Ear Issues. Vertigo can be caused by inflammation or even an inner ear infection, which can remain until that inflammation goes away. Once you show signs of inner ear issues, make sure you speak to a doctor right away. They can help determine what treatment is appropriate, which may include the use of medication.
Stroke or Head Injuries. Sometimes vertigo is a permanent or semi-permanent state for people, particularly those who have had a stroke, head injury, or neck injury.
Meniere’s Disease. This disease can cause episodes of vertigo that last for hours or even days sometimes. In addition to vertigo, it can also cause vomiting, nausea, and hearing loss.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. This is one of the most common causes of vertigo, and usually, an episode of vertigo caused by BPPV only lasts for a minute or even less.
Additional Factors. These are just a few of the causes of vertigo. Once again, it’s important to identify the underlying cause.
What Should You Do When You Have Vertigo?
First and foremost, it’s important that you take steps at the moment to stay safe. Ideally, you want to find somewhere to sit and stay safe. This is because the sensation you can get from vertigo can cause you to fall, which might cause injury. This is the same reason it’s important you pull over if you’re driving and wait out the episode.
If you’re unsure of what’s causing your vertigo, make sure you get a diagnosis. Whether that means seeing your general practitioner or an audiologist, check with them and begin a treatment plan.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
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