How long does vertigo typically last: How Long Does Vertigo Last? Mild-to-Severe Symptom Duration
How Long Does Vertigo Last? Mild-to-Severe Symptom Duration
How Long Does Vertigo Last? Mild-to-Severe Symptom Duration
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Medically reviewed by Elaine K.
Luo, M.D. — By Kimberly Holland — Updated on March 30, 2019
Vertigo isn’t a disease or a condition on its own but a symptom of an underlying condition. Identifying the cause of your vertigo can help find a treatment that works to prevent episodes from occuring.
Overview
Episodes of vertigo can last a few seconds, a few minutes, a few hours, or even a few days. In general, however, an episode of vertigo typically lasts just seconds to minutes.
Vertigo isn’t a disease or condition. Instead, it’s a symptom of a condition. Identifying the underlying cause of your vertigo can help you and your doctor find a treatment that works to prevent the episodes.
Vertigo is different from dizziness. This is because the sensations from vertigo make you feel like your surroundings are moving, or that you’re moving when you’re actually standing still. Dizziness typically causes you to feel woozy or lightheaded.
Vertigo episodes may come and go and cause sudden, severe episodes of disorientation.
They can also be incredibly mild, or be chronic and last for longer periods of time.
Other symptoms of vertigo include:
- feeling nauseated
- sweating
- vomiting
- abnormal or unusual eye movements, such as jerking
- loss of balance
- ringing in the ears
- hearing loss
The cause of your vertigo plays a big role in how long your symptoms will last.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo. The average episode reoccurs but usually lasts for one minute or less.
Meniere’s disease
A severe episode of vertigo caused by Meniere’s disease can last for several hours or even days. This condition causes vertigo that can often cause vomiting, nausea, and hearing loss, as well as ringing in the ear.
Inner ear problems
Vertigo caused by inflammation or an infection in the inner ear may remain until the inflammation subsides. If you have any signs of inner ear problems, it’s important to talk to your doctor about treatment so they can get the vertigo under control.
They’ll determine if there are any medications that may be right for the condition.
Stroke or head injury
Vertigo may be a permanent or semi-permanent state for some individuals. People who’ve had a stroke, head injury, or neck injury may experience long-term or chronic vertigo.
Other factors
There are other conditions and injuries that may cause episodes of vertigo. The length of your vertigo episode will depend on what that underlying cause is.
When you experience an episode of vertigo, it’s wise to practice these do’s and don’ts so you can stay safe and also reduce your chances of greater side effects or complications.
Get a diagnosis
If you haven’t already been diagnosed, see a doctor after you experience vertigo symptoms for the first time. Together, you and your doctor can review your symptoms and decide on a treatment plan that fits what you’re experiencing and what’s causing the symptoms.
Check out this list of vertigo-associated disorders for more information.
Sit somewhere safe
Take precautions to prevent injury as soon as you begin experiencing signs and symptoms of vertigo. The sensations you experience from an episode can be disorienting and may make you more likely to stumble or fall. This can lead to injury.
Get off the road
If you’re driving when a vertigo episode starts, pull over as soon as you’re able. Wait out the episode before you continue driving so you don’t put yourself and others at risk.
Begin home remedies
When vertigo symptoms start, your doctor may instruct you to perform self-care home remedies or physical therapy maneuvers to ease the symptoms. Do them as soon as you safely can.
Seek treatment
If vertigo is the result of a health complication you’re not treating, vertigo symptoms may become worse. You can begin to experience long-term health complications as a result of not treating the underlying cause for your vertigo.
Vertigo is bothersome, but it’s rarely a sign of a serious health problem.
Treatment for vertigo aims to treat the underlying cause that’s producing the disorienting sensations in order to eliminate the symptoms. If a cause isn’t known, your doctor may also treat the symptoms of vertigo alone.
The most common treatments for vertigo include:
Home remedies
The majority of home remedies are designed to prevent or reduce the risk for a vertigo episode, but some can be used when the disorientation begins. These include:
- trying acupuncture
- avoiding caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol
- staying hydrated
- taking herbal supplements
Medications
Some medications may help stop severe vertigo episodes. The most commonly prescribed medications for vertigo are:
- anti-nausea medicines, such as promethazine (Phenergan)
- sedative medicines, such as diazepam (Valium)
- antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
These medicines may be administered by mouth, patch, suppository, or IV.
Both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription options are available.
Physical therapy maneuvers
Two main physical therapy maneuvers are used to treat symptoms of vertigo. Your doctor will work with you to learn the proper technique so you can perform them correctly. These maneuvers include:
- Modified Epley maneuvers. The Epley maneuver is a type of treatment that uses head and body movements to encourage the inner ear to reabsorb any matter that’s floating in the inner ear and causing vertigo. The relief can be immediate, or it may take several days.
- Vestibular rehabilitation exercises. Moving your head and body when you’re experiencing a vertigo episode may feel too difficult. Your doctor can teach you rehabilitation exercises that can help your brain adjust to the changes in the inner ear. These balancing techniques will help your eyes and other senses learn to cope with the disorientation.
Time
Waiting out the symptoms of vertigo may be the best option for some people.
After all, vertigo can ease in a matter of hours, minutes, or even seconds. In those cases, you’re better off waiting for the body to correct itself than trying another treatment option.
If you experience episodes of vertigo, make an appointment to see your doctor. If you don’t already have a primary care provider, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool. Describe what you’re experiencing, how long the episodes last, and what makes them end, if you’ve used any type of treatment. Your doctor will perform a physical exam. They may also conduct several tests to check your eyes, hearing, and balance.
If those results aren’t enough for a conclusive diagnosis, your doctor may request some imaging tests to look at your brain. An MRI can give your doctor a detailed image of your brain.
You should seek emergency medical help if you experience vertigo with any of the following:
- a severe headache
- a high fever
- weakness in your arms or legs
- inability or trouble walking, speaking, hearing, or seeing
- passing out
- chest pain
It’s important to talk with your doctor any time you experience vertigo.
They can work with you to understand the underlying cause and find treatments that can both prevent vertigo attacks and ease them if and when they occur.
Fortunately, most of the underlying causes of vertigo aren’t serious. They can be treated easily, which will eliminate vertigo episodes. If the underlying cause can’t be treated, your doctor can work with you to reduce disorientation and hopefully prevent future complications.
Last medically reviewed on March 7, 2018
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Barton JJS. (2016). Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
uptodate.com/contents/benign-paroxysmal-positional-vertigo - Dizziness and vertigo. (2018).
medlineplus.gov/dizzinessandvertigo.html - Furman JM, et al. (2017). Patient education: Dizziness and vertigo (beyond the basics).
uptodate.com/contents/dizziness-and-vertigo-beyond-the-basics - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015). Dizziness.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dizziness/symptoms-causes/syc-20371787 - Rubinstein J. (n.d.). Vertigo: Frequently asked questions.
uihc.org/health-library/vertigo-frequently-asked-questions - Vertigo. (2015).
nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/v/article/vertigo/
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Mar 30, 2019
Written By
Kimberly Holland
Edited By
Nizam Khan (TechSpace)
Mar 7, 2018
Medically Reviewed By
Elaine K. Luo, MD
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Elaine K.
Luo, M.D. — By Kimberly Holland — Updated on March 30, 2019
Read this next
- How to Tell the Difference Between Dizziness and Vertigo
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Dizziness and vertigo are two similar feelings. Dizziness is a feeling of being off-balance. Vertigo is the feeling that you or your surroundings are…
READ MORE
- I Feel Dizzy: Peripheral Vertigo
Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M.D.
Vertigo is dizziness that is often described as a spinning sensation. It may also feel like motion sickness or as if you’re leaning to one side.
READ MORE
- Benign Positional Vertigo (BPV)
Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M.D.
Benign positional vertigo (BPV) is the most common cause of vertigo, the sensation of spinning or swaying. Learn about causes, symptoms, risk factors…
READ MORE
- Why Do I Feel Dizzy When I Lie Down?
Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M.D.
One of the most frequent sources of vertigo, or the unexpected feeling that you or the room around you is spinning, is benign paroxysmal positional…
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- Are Your Hearing Aids Making You Dizzy?
Vertigo is often associated with inner ear problems, and your hearing aids shouldn’t be making you dizzy. Learn more about managing hearing aid side…
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- Understanding Vertigo in Kids
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Vertigo is common in children and may be caused by ear infections or migraine. We explain what to do if your child has vertigo.
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- Vertigo: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More
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Vertigo is the feeling that you’re moving when you’re not. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment here.
READ MORE
- What Causes Virtual Reality (VR) Motion Sickness?
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C
Virtual reality (VR) motion sickness is exactly the same as any other type of motion sickness — except you’re not really moving.
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Learn more.How Long Does Vertigo Last? Mild-to-Severe Symptom Duration
How Long Does Vertigo Last? Mild-to-Severe Symptom Duration
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- Bipolar Disorder
- Cancer
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- CBD
- Men’s Health
- Original Series
- Fresh Food Fast
- Diagnosis Diaries
- You’re Not Alone
- Present Tense
- Video Series
- Youth in Focus
- Healthy Harvest
- No More Silence
- Future of Health
- Wellness Topics
- Plan
- Health Challenges
- Mindful Eating
- Sugar Savvy
- Move Your Body
- Gut Health
- Mood Foods
- Align Your Spine
- Find Care
- Primary Care
- Mental Health
- OB-GYN
- Dermatologists
- Neurologists
- Cardiologists
- Orthopedists
- Lifestyle Quizzes
- Weight Management
- Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
- Are You a Workaholic?
- How Well Do You Sleep?
- Tools & Resources
- Health News
- Find a Diet
- Find Healthy Snacks
- Drugs A-Z
- Health A-Z
- Health Challenges
- Connect
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- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Psoriasis
Medically reviewed by Elaine K.
Luo, M.D. — By Kimberly Holland — Updated on March 30, 2019
Vertigo isn’t a disease or a condition on its own but a symptom of an underlying condition. Identifying the cause of your vertigo can help find a treatment that works to prevent episodes from occuring.
Overview
Episodes of vertigo can last a few seconds, a few minutes, a few hours, or even a few days. In general, however, an episode of vertigo typically lasts just seconds to minutes.
Vertigo isn’t a disease or condition. Instead, it’s a symptom of a condition. Identifying the underlying cause of your vertigo can help you and your doctor find a treatment that works to prevent the episodes.
Vertigo is different from dizziness. This is because the sensations from vertigo make you feel like your surroundings are moving, or that you’re moving when you’re actually standing still. Dizziness typically causes you to feel woozy or lightheaded.
Vertigo episodes may come and go and cause sudden, severe episodes of disorientation.
They can also be incredibly mild, or be chronic and last for longer periods of time.
Other symptoms of vertigo include:
- feeling nauseated
- sweating
- vomiting
- abnormal or unusual eye movements, such as jerking
- loss of balance
- ringing in the ears
- hearing loss
The cause of your vertigo plays a big role in how long your symptoms will last.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo. The average episode reoccurs but usually lasts for one minute or less.
Meniere’s disease
A severe episode of vertigo caused by Meniere’s disease can last for several hours or even days. This condition causes vertigo that can often cause vomiting, nausea, and hearing loss, as well as ringing in the ear.
Inner ear problems
Vertigo caused by inflammation or an infection in the inner ear may remain until the inflammation subsides. If you have any signs of inner ear problems, it’s important to talk to your doctor about treatment so they can get the vertigo under control.
They’ll determine if there are any medications that may be right for the condition.
Stroke or head injury
Vertigo may be a permanent or semi-permanent state for some individuals. People who’ve had a stroke, head injury, or neck injury may experience long-term or chronic vertigo.
Other factors
There are other conditions and injuries that may cause episodes of vertigo. The length of your vertigo episode will depend on what that underlying cause is.
When you experience an episode of vertigo, it’s wise to practice these do’s and don’ts so you can stay safe and also reduce your chances of greater side effects or complications.
Get a diagnosis
If you haven’t already been diagnosed, see a doctor after you experience vertigo symptoms for the first time. Together, you and your doctor can review your symptoms and decide on a treatment plan that fits what you’re experiencing and what’s causing the symptoms.
Check out this list of vertigo-associated disorders for more information.
Sit somewhere safe
Take precautions to prevent injury as soon as you begin experiencing signs and symptoms of vertigo. The sensations you experience from an episode can be disorienting and may make you more likely to stumble or fall. This can lead to injury.
Get off the road
If you’re driving when a vertigo episode starts, pull over as soon as you’re able. Wait out the episode before you continue driving so you don’t put yourself and others at risk.
Begin home remedies
When vertigo symptoms start, your doctor may instruct you to perform self-care home remedies or physical therapy maneuvers to ease the symptoms. Do them as soon as you safely can.
Seek treatment
If vertigo is the result of a health complication you’re not treating, vertigo symptoms may become worse. You can begin to experience long-term health complications as a result of not treating the underlying cause for your vertigo.
Vertigo is bothersome, but it’s rarely a sign of a serious health problem.
Treatment for vertigo aims to treat the underlying cause that’s producing the disorienting sensations in order to eliminate the symptoms. If a cause isn’t known, your doctor may also treat the symptoms of vertigo alone.
The most common treatments for vertigo include:
Home remedies
The majority of home remedies are designed to prevent or reduce the risk for a vertigo episode, but some can be used when the disorientation begins. These include:
- trying acupuncture
- avoiding caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol
- staying hydrated
- taking herbal supplements
Medications
Some medications may help stop severe vertigo episodes. The most commonly prescribed medications for vertigo are:
- anti-nausea medicines, such as promethazine (Phenergan)
- sedative medicines, such as diazepam (Valium)
- antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
These medicines may be administered by mouth, patch, suppository, or IV.
Both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription options are available.
Physical therapy maneuvers
Two main physical therapy maneuvers are used to treat symptoms of vertigo. Your doctor will work with you to learn the proper technique so you can perform them correctly. These maneuvers include:
- Modified Epley maneuvers. The Epley maneuver is a type of treatment that uses head and body movements to encourage the inner ear to reabsorb any matter that’s floating in the inner ear and causing vertigo. The relief can be immediate, or it may take several days.
- Vestibular rehabilitation exercises. Moving your head and body when you’re experiencing a vertigo episode may feel too difficult. Your doctor can teach you rehabilitation exercises that can help your brain adjust to the changes in the inner ear. These balancing techniques will help your eyes and other senses learn to cope with the disorientation.
Time
Waiting out the symptoms of vertigo may be the best option for some people.
After all, vertigo can ease in a matter of hours, minutes, or even seconds. In those cases, you’re better off waiting for the body to correct itself than trying another treatment option.
If you experience episodes of vertigo, make an appointment to see your doctor. If you don’t already have a primary care provider, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool. Describe what you’re experiencing, how long the episodes last, and what makes them end, if you’ve used any type of treatment. Your doctor will perform a physical exam. They may also conduct several tests to check your eyes, hearing, and balance.
If those results aren’t enough for a conclusive diagnosis, your doctor may request some imaging tests to look at your brain. An MRI can give your doctor a detailed image of your brain.
You should seek emergency medical help if you experience vertigo with any of the following:
- a severe headache
- a high fever
- weakness in your arms or legs
- inability or trouble walking, speaking, hearing, or seeing
- passing out
- chest pain
It’s important to talk with your doctor any time you experience vertigo.
They can work with you to understand the underlying cause and find treatments that can both prevent vertigo attacks and ease them if and when they occur.
Fortunately, most of the underlying causes of vertigo aren’t serious. They can be treated easily, which will eliminate vertigo episodes. If the underlying cause can’t be treated, your doctor can work with you to reduce disorientation and hopefully prevent future complications.
Last medically reviewed on March 7, 2018
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Barton JJS. (2016). Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
uptodate.com/contents/benign-paroxysmal-positional-vertigo - Dizziness and vertigo. (2018).
medlineplus.gov/dizzinessandvertigo.html - Furman JM, et al. (2017). Patient education: Dizziness and vertigo (beyond the basics).
uptodate.com/contents/dizziness-and-vertigo-beyond-the-basics - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015). Dizziness.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dizziness/symptoms-causes/syc-20371787 - Rubinstein J. (n.d.). Vertigo: Frequently asked questions.
uihc.org/health-library/vertigo-frequently-asked-questions - Vertigo. (2015).
nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/v/article/vertigo/
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Mar 30, 2019
Written By
Kimberly Holland
Edited By
Nizam Khan (TechSpace)
Mar 7, 2018
Medically Reviewed By
Elaine K. Luo, MD
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Elaine K.
Luo, M.D. — By Kimberly Holland — Updated on March 30, 2019
Read this next
- How to Tell the Difference Between Dizziness and Vertigo
Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP
Dizziness and vertigo are two similar feelings. Dizziness is a feeling of being off-balance. Vertigo is the feeling that you or your surroundings are…
READ MORE
- I Feel Dizzy: Peripheral Vertigo
Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M.D.
Vertigo is dizziness that is often described as a spinning sensation. It may also feel like motion sickness or as if you’re leaning to one side.
READ MORE
- Benign Positional Vertigo (BPV)
Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M.D.
Benign positional vertigo (BPV) is the most common cause of vertigo, the sensation of spinning or swaying. Learn about causes, symptoms, risk factors…
READ MORE
- Why Do I Feel Dizzy When I Lie Down?
Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M.D.
One of the most frequent sources of vertigo, or the unexpected feeling that you or the room around you is spinning, is benign paroxysmal positional…
READ MORE
- Are Your Hearing Aids Making You Dizzy?
Vertigo is often associated with inner ear problems, and your hearing aids shouldn’t be making you dizzy. Learn more about managing hearing aid side…
READ MORE
- Understanding Vertigo in Kids
Medically reviewed by Mia Armstrong, MD
Vertigo is common in children and may be caused by ear infections or migraine. We explain what to do if your child has vertigo.
READ MORE
- Vertigo: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More
Medically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD
Vertigo is the feeling that you’re moving when you’re not. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment here.
READ MORE
- What Causes Virtual Reality (VR) Motion Sickness?
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C
Virtual reality (VR) motion sickness is exactly the same as any other type of motion sickness — except you’re not really moving.
Learn more.READ MORE
Learn more.Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – systemic vertigo (spinning sensation) manifested by short bouts of vertigo that occurs when changing head position, sometimes accompanied by nausea and, in rare cases, vomiting associated with otoliths entering the semicircular canals of the inner ear.
Dizziness may occur in various diseases. It can be systemic and non-systemic, last from a few seconds to a day or more, it can occur spontaneously or under the influence of certain conditions: for example, it can occur when the position of the body and / or head changes. Patients with dizziness come to doctors of different specialties, and from an adequate assessment of symptoms, a well-conducted examination, the availability of modern diagnostic equipment directly depends on the correctness of the diagnosis and the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment.
Currently, the most common cause of dizziness associated with pathology of the inner ear is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which, according to various authors, accounts for 17 to 35% of all peripheral vestibular disorders.
Manifestations of this disease are very characteristic. Patients describe sudden severe attacks of dizziness with horizontal or vertical movement of objects that occur with a certain position of the head or movements – turning over in bed, turning the head to the side, extension and flexion of the neck. Patients can often indicate which side they are experiencing dizziness and which side they are not. Attacks of dizziness last no more than 30 seconds, but many people exaggerate their duration, speaking of several minutes. Attacks of dizziness can be single, and can be repeated at different intervals: from several attacks per week to several attacks per day. Often, dizziness is accompanied by nausea and a feeling of unsteadiness.
Symptoms of do not appear if the patient avoids provocative movements. With BPPV, hearing loss, tinnitus, headache and other symptoms are not observed. The course of the disease is favorable, however, if an attack of dizziness occurs when you are at high altitude, depth or when driving, it can be dangerous.
To understand the origin of this disease, it is necessary to consider the structure of the peripheral part of the vestibular apparatus located in the inner ear. It consists of a vestibule, in which there are “sacs” – spherical and elliptical, as well as three semicircular canals located in different planes. The vestibule sacs are responsible for a person’s feeling of the position of the body in space and linear accelerations, the semicircular canals – for angular accelerations. The sacs contain microscopic “pebbles” – otoliths, which, in response to a change in body position, move and, irritating the nerve endings of the vestibular apparatus, give appropriate signals to central nervous system .
The essence of the occurrence of BPPV is that under the influence of various factors, otoliths, moving in the fluid of the inner ear (endolymph), fall into an uncharacteristic place for them – the semicircular canals. Moving in the semicircular canals with a change in body position, they irritate the nerve endings located in them.
However, the nerve cells of the semicircular canals are adapted to respond to fluid flow during angular accelerations, and not to otolith stimulation. That is, this irritation is inadequate for nerve cells, which causes a pathological reaction in the form of an attack of dizziness and other unpleasant symptoms.
In 50-70% of cases the cause of BPPV cannot be determined. However, the occurrence of the disease may be associated with traumatic brain injury (7-17%), viral labyrinthitis (15%), Meniere’s disease (5%), ototoxic effects of antibiotics (gentamicin), surgery on the inner ear, migraines, etc.
Directly for the diagnosis of BPPV special tests are used, the most common is the Dix-Hallpike test. With the help of a certain sequence of changing the position of the head and body of the patient, the movement of otoliths in the semicircular canals is caused. If the otoliths are located in an uncharacteristic place for them – the semicircular canals – this causes the patient to have an attack of dizziness.
Also, as with any other experimental stimulation of the vestibular apparatus, a typical oculomotor reaction appears – nystagmus (involuntary rhythmic movements of the eyeballs). It is this reaction that is fixed by the doctor visually or with the help of appropriate equipment, respectively, conclusions are drawn about the direct presence of BPPV, as well as the side of the lesion.
At first glance, the diagnosis of BPPV does not cause any particular difficulties. However, if we consider the issue more seriously, a lot of factors must be taken into account in order to make a correct diagnosis: a large number of peripheral (associated with the inner ear) vestibular disorders have manifestations very similar to BPPV ( dizziness, imbalance, nausea, etc. ), that is, they must be differentiated, since the treatment of these diseases is completely different.
Conclusion – even for a single Dix-Hallpike test, at least a minimum of equipment (Frenzel glasses), sufficient experience in conducting this test and a competent assessment of emerging reactions (nystagmus) are required.
In order to make a final diagnosis and exclude other diseases that manifest similar symptoms, and, accordingly, effective treatment, a complete examination of the directly interconnected auditory and vestibular functions is necessary. In modern conditions, a whole range of diagnostic equipment is used for this, and examination takes about two hours . Only this option gives confidence in the correctness of the diagnosis and the prescribed treatment. Such a diagnosis should be handled by an audiologist-otoneurologist.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment of BPPV in most cases is quite simple – appropriate treatment maneuvers are carried out to return the otoliths to their correct location. Certainly, certain knowledge, experience and well-developed skills are needed to carry out therapeutic measures.
Treatment of dizziness – causes, symptoms, types, diagnosis – +7 (495) 120-02-05
vascular system or neuralgia.
In the normal state, the cerebral cortex receives numerous signals from the visual, vestibular and other systems.
Impulses go from the cortex to the eye and skeletal muscles, which are responsible for a stable posture and a healthy position of the eyeballs. If the flow of impulses is disturbed, there is a deceptive perception of the movement of one’s own body and the objects surrounding it.
Why you feel dizzy
Many people associate dizziness with faintness and lightheadedness, which can be accompanied by rapid heartbeat, blanching of the skin, darkening of the eyes, excessive sweating. This condition is often observed in cardiovascular pathology, hypotension (drop in blood pressure), hypoglycemia (drop in blood sugar), hypovolemia (increase in blood viscosity), anemia.
People often understand dizziness as loss of balance, unsteadiness, disturbance in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system. But such disorders, as a rule, are formed with organic lesions of the nervous system and cannot be considered dizziness from a medical point of view. When addressing patients, such a complaint is often heard as a feeling of heaviness in the head, as if intoxicated.
This condition can occur with depression or neuroses, but this is also not dizziness in the classical sense.
Symptoms of vertigo
True vertigo can cause the following symptoms:
- sensation of rotation, rocking, falling or tilting of one’s own body or objects around it,
- nausea, vomiting,
- excessive sweating.
The so-called systemic dizziness is characteristic of damage to the vestibular system, its central and peripheral parts. As a rule, the patient suffers from periodic attacks.
There are quite a few types of dizziness. You may be experiencing one of the conditions described below. However, we do not recommend self-diagnosis! It is better to contact the Doctor World clinic for an accurate diagnosis.
Make an appointment for diagnostics to identify the cause of vertigo and start treatment.
Dizziness may indicate a malfunction of the cardiovascular or nervous system.
Meniere’s disease
Characterized by severe dizziness with vomiting, tinnitus, a feeling of fullness in the head, and often with hearing loss.
An attack of Meniere’s disease can last up to 4-5 hours. It should be noted that at an early stage of treatment of the disease, hearing problems are cured completely, and later, in the absence of proper treatment, they become irreversible.
Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear. In addition to dizziness, he also has a hearing impairment. Labyrinthitis can be bacterial (with a complication of moderate otitis media) and viral (with diseases such as rubella, influenza, measles, mumps).
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
This is the most common form of vertigo and usually occurs when there is a sudden change in position of the body or head. Such vertigo lasts literally a few seconds, but can reach up to a minute. Treatment for BPPV is not required as it resolves on its own. However, a few months may periodically disturb the patient. Most often, BPPV affects people over 50 years of age, and in women this pathology occurs twice as often as in men.
Vestibular neuronitis
This pathology appears suddenly and lasts quite a long time. Severe dizziness may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, feelings of fear and anxiety, and loss of balance. A patient with vestibular neuronitis can lie in bed for several days, practically without getting up. Hearing is usually normal.
The next attack may be repeated in a few months or even years. The origin of this disease has not yet been elucidated.
Post-traumatic vertigo
After an injury, usually immediately, vestibular vertigo may occur, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. There is also a loss of balance. Unpleasant sensations are aggravated by sudden movements of the head.
Barotrauma
Barotrauma, which can be caused by pressure drop when diving, coughing or straining, may cause vestibular vertigo and transient hearing loss.
Cholesteatoma
Cholesteatoma is a tumor that can develop in chronic bacterial inflammation of the inner ear.
With this pathology, systemic dizziness and hearing loss are also possible.
Damage to the vestibular nerve
This pathology develops with narcotic and drug intoxication and is often accompanied by dizziness and hearing loss. After refusing to take further drugs, the condition usually returns to normal.
Damage to the brain stem
Vestibular vertigo and loss of balance may occur with the development of a stroke in the brain stem, as well as localization of a stroke in the cerebellum. Therefore, middle-aged and elderly people who have never had systemic vertigo before are advised to undergo an MRI.
In case of pathology of the cervical spine
After an injury to the cervical spine, as well as in spondylosis, dizziness may occur. Loss of balance, peculiar pushes to the side are also likely.
Diagnosis of dizziness
Since there are many causes of dizziness, it can be difficult to diagnose this disease. If the disease is accompanied by impaired function of the brain stem or sensation in the limbs or on the face, then this indicates a central cause.
If the patient complains of hearing problems, then this indicates dizziness of peripheral origin.
A neurologist usually specifies the following details:
- whether the patient feels the movement of surrounding objects or his body,
- whether the dizziness is transient or permanent,
- Is dizziness accompanied by tinnitus,
- Do you have hearing problems,
- whether there is a feeling of nausea, vomiting,
- whether the patient has had a neck or head injury in the past,
- what is the patient’s vision, does he wear glasses,
- whether the patient is taking any medications,
- whether the patient uses alcohol or drugs.
In order to identify the cause of vertigo, it is necessary to conduct appropriate studies:
- complete blood count,
- blood glucose test,
- electrocardiogram,
- cervical radiography,
- general therapeutic examination.
Brain MRI, pure tone audiometry, and electrocochleography may be required.
Are you used to living with dizziness?
Vertigo is successfully treated in the neurological center of the Doctor Mir clinic. Ask for help to regain joy and confidence in the future
Vertigo treatment in Moscow
Vertigo treatment is often symptomatic. For relief, vestibulolytic drugs are used. Also use antihistamines, tranquilizers. Treatment should be prescribed by the attending neurologist. In no case do not delay the trip to the medical center! Symptoms of vertigo can indicate serious problems, so it’s best to treat the problem early.
Physicians – Neurologists
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Neurology – prices
| Neurology | |
|---|---|
| Neurological consultation | 3500.00 |
| Consultation with a neurologist (head of neurology) | 4500. 00 |
| Selection of individual orthopedic insoles according to the Heider mark, molding of Pharmtotics insoles | 5000.00 |
| Correction of orthoses and insoles | 1000.00 |
| Plantoscopy | 500.00 |
| Neurological manipulations | |
| Introduction of Heel homeopathic preparations on trigger zones. Homeosiniatry. | 2500.00 |
| Diprospan administration for later/medial epicondylitis (tennis elbow) | 1700.00 |
| Paravertebral blockade (cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine) with lidocaine and dexamethasone (1 section/ 1 ampoule) | 2900.00 |
| Paravertebral blockade (cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine) with dexamethasone (1 section/ 1 ampoule) | 2700.00 |
| Paravertebral blockade (cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine) with diprospan (1 section / 1 ampoule) | 2500. 00 |
| Paravertebral blockade (cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine) with novocaine (20 mg) and diprospan (1 section / 1 ampoule) | 3000.00 |
| Paravertebral blockade (cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine) with orthoporon (1 section / 1 ampoule) | 2500.00 |
| Therapeutic paravertebral blockade with novocaine (20 mg), hydrocortisone (25 mg) and diprospan (1 compartment/1 ampoule) | 3200.00 |
| Scalene anterior block with lidocaine and dexamethasone (1 ampoule) | 2000.00 |
| Scalene anterior block with dexamethasone (1 ampoule) | 2000.00 |
| Scalene anterior block with diprospan (1 ampoule) | 2000.00 |
| Piriformis blockade with lidocaine and dexamethasone (1 ampoule) | 2500.00 |
| Piriformis blockade with dexamethasone (1 ampoule) | 2000.00 |
| Piriformis blockade with diprospan (1 ampoule) | 2000. |