How long does an episode of vertigo last?

An episode of vertigo usually lasts for a few seconds to minutes. If vertigo is occurring due to a serious underlying health condition such as Meniere’s disease or inner ear injuries/infections, the episodes of vertigo may be severe and can last for a few hours or even extend to days.

What care should I take to avoid triggering my vertigo?

If you are suffering from vertigo, you must take care to avoid sudden and jerky movements of your head. Always take your time and slowly transition from one position to another for example while getting up from a sleeping position to a standing position. You must also take care to avoid participating in adventure activities, enjoyment rides, and long journeys via road.

Does vertigo go away by itself?

A mild episode of vertigo may resolve on its own. However, if the vertigo is occurring due to any underlying health condition, it will not usually go away on its own and needs to be treated by your doctor.

Can stress and anxiety cause vertigo?

Mental stress and anxiety can make many forms of vertigo worse, but will not , by itself, produce vertigo.

Is vertigo a sign of brain tumor?

Not always. Vertigo may occur due to many health conditions not related to the brain, such as inner ear infections, cervical spondylosis, etc. There are other causes related to the brain such as stroke which can also cause vertigo. Occasionally, vertigo may be a sign of an underlying brain tumor.

Vertigo

Written By Dr. Sakshi SharmaBDS

Reviewed By Dr. Varun Gupta

MD Pharmacology, MBBS

Last updated on: 27 Sep 2022 | 06:23 PM (IST)

Also known as Spinning of head and Dizziness

Overview

Vertigo is a sensation of feeling off-balance. A person may feel as if he/she or the surrounding environment is spinning in circles.

Vertigo arises due to a disturbance in the inner ear, or it may occur due to other head and neck conditions that affect balance. Often, these vertigo episodes are mild and do not require any treatment as they resolve on their own. However, treatment is needed when the attacks do not go away or are so severe that they interfere with a patient’s day-to-day activities.

If you have vertigo, you must consult your doctor as it may be the presenting symptom of an underlying disorder such as ear infection, cervical spondylosis, stroke or brain tumor. The treatment is aimed at management of the underlying cause of vertigo.

Key Facts