In such cases, the vertigo should improve once the underlying condition is effectively treated.
To truly answer how long vertigo lasts, it’s important to determine the cause.
A dizzying or spinning sensation can develop for several different reasons.
FG Trade / Getty Images
FG Trade / Getty Images
What Affects Vertigo Duration?
Vertigo is the sensation the room is spinning around you.
Peripheral vertigo is due to an issue in theinner ear, while central is linked to the brain.
In about half of cases, symptoms resolve on their own within one to three months.
Head injuries:With milderconcussions, vertigo tends to resolve within one to two weeks.
After a more traumatic head injury, the vertigo can persist for six months or longer.
The initial phase brings constant vertigo for two days to one week.
Initial vertigo symptoms rarely last beyond 72 hours.
However, you may experience milder episodes triggered by motion for several weeks.
In most cases, symptoms completely resolve within two to three months.Hearing loss may occur.
Alcohol:Alcohol is also an ototoxic drug that can cause vertigo, either temporarily or chronically.
Seizure:About 5% to 10% of people withepilepsyexperience epileptic vertigo dizziness (EVD).
Vertigo may occur before, during, or after the seizure.
Malignant brain tumors:Cancerous (malignant) brain tumors can cause vertigo.
How long the vertigo lasts depends on the punch in, size, and location of the tumor.
Some tumors likeglioblastomasoften lead to rapidly worsening symptoms with vertigo persisting for days to weeks.
Vestibular migraine:This key in of migraine can cause vertigo episodes lasting from five minutes to 72 hours.
Some people experience prolonged vertigo between episodes, even without a headache.
The frequency of vertigo attacks varies from person to person.
Vestibular nerve pressure can be due to abenign (non-cancerous) tumor.
Symptoms may persist or worsen until the pressure is relieved, often through surgery.
Vertigo may continue for up to four months after tumor removal.
A proper diagnosis can help rule out other conditions or uncover an underlying issue.
Though primarily used formotion sickness, it can also help relieve dizziness and nausea during a vertigo episode.
Wait until your symptoms resolve to gradually resume activities.
You may need to find someone who can help you walk safely at first.
Vertigo Treatments
Vertigo is a symptom, not a standalone condition.
The first step to treating vertigo is addressing the underlying cause.
Outlook
The outlook for vertigo varies depending on the underling cause.
Other conditions, like Meniere’s disease or vestibular migraines, may result in chronic or recurring symptoms.
Recurring vertigo may indicate inner ear or brain issues, or another underlying condition.
If vertigo is frequent or severe enough to cause falls, consult a healthcare provider.
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NYU Langone Health.Diagnosing vertigo.
American Medical Association.What doctors wish patients knew about vertigo.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Home Epley maneuver.
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