Vertigo is a dizzying, off-balance, spinning sensation that makes you feel like everything around you is moving when it’s not. If you’ve ever had it, you know how unsettling it can be. But how long does vertigo last?
The answer depends on the cause, the severity and how quickly you get treatment.
If you experience vertigo symptoms, make an appointment with your ear, nose and throat provider so they can recommend the right treatment for your condition.
What is vertigo?
Vertigo isn’t a disease itself – it’s a symptom of a medical condition that affects the balance system in your inner ear or brain. It often makes you feel like you or your surroundings are moving when they’re still. Some people also experience nausea, vomiting, sweating or difficulty standing.
Vertigo is commonly linked to ear disorders and issues with the semicircular canals, which are parts of your inner ear that help control balance. Problems in these canals can trick your brain into thinking you’re moving when you’re not.
How long does vertigo last, and what causes it?
When asking how long does vertigo last, it’s important to consider the cause. Sometimes symptoms are caused by balance disorders, while others are from conditions where dizziness is a side effect. Let’s look at some of the most common ones:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, is one of the leading causes of vertigo. Tiny calcium particles (canaliths) in your inner ear dislodge and move to places where they shouldn’t be. This disrupts your sense of balance and causes brief episodes of vertigo. Head and body movements like looking up or rolling over in bed usually trigger them.
- Duration: BPPV episodes typically last a few seconds to a few minutes but can recur over several weeks or months if left untreated.
- Treatment: Canalith repositioning procedures (like the Epley maneuver) can help move the loose particles back to where they belong, often resolving symptoms within a few days.
Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis
Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are conditions caused by viral infections that inflame the inner ear or the nerves that send balance signals to your brain.
- Duration: The most intense symptoms can last several days, but mild dizziness can persist for weeks or even months.
- Treatment: Physical therapy, balance exercises and home treatments can speed up recovery.
Meniere’s disease
Fluid buildup in the inner ear causes this chronic ear disorder, leading to episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, ringing in the ears and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear.
- Duration: Vertigo episodes from Meniere’s disease can last 20 minutes to several hours, and symptoms can come and go over time.
- Treatment: Managing salt intake, medications and sometimes physical therapy can help control episodes.
Migraines
Vestibular migraines can cause vertigo along with headache, sensitivity to light and nausea.
- Duration: Episodes can last minutes to hours, sometimes even longer.
- Treatment: Identifying and avoiding triggers, along with migraine medications, can help reduce frequency and severity.
Head injuries and other medical conditions
Concussions, strokes and other neurological conditions can cause vertigo.
- Duration: Recovery varies from days to months, depending on the severity of the injury or condition.
- Treatment: A physical exam and proper medical care are essential to determine the best treatment plan.
What you can do at home
While some types of vertigo require medical treatment, there are also home remedies that can help:
- Canalith repositioning procedures: If you have BPPV, maneuvers like the Epley maneuver can help reposition the calcium particles in your inner ear.
- Balance exercises: Physical therapy or simple exercises like standing on one foot can help strengthen your balance system.
- Hydration and diet: Limiting salt, caffeine and alcohol can reduce fluid buildup in the inner ear.
- Avoid sudden head movements: Moving too quickly can trigger episodes of vertigo, so take your time when getting up or changing positions.
- Rest and stress management: Fatigue and stress can make vertigo symptoms worse. Getting enough sleep and practicing relaxation techniques can help.
How we can help
If your vertigo is frequent, severe or comes with other symptoms like hearing loss, trouble speaking or weakness in your limbs, it’s important to see a doctor.
Make an appointment with an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist – they can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend treatment options tailored to you.
Learn about the ear, nose and throat services we offer at Mercy Health.
