How Long Does Vertigo Last? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment in Dubai
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How Long Does Vertigo Last?
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment in Dubai
WHAT IS VERTIGO?
Vertigo is more than just a sense of dizziness. It refers to the specific sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving, even when you are completely still. This feeling can be unsettling and may lead to unsteadiness, swaying, or a sense of lightheadedness. Common descriptions of vertigo include a "spinning room" sensation or the feeling of being tilted. These symptoms can be triggered by simple actions such as turning over in bed, standing up suddenly, or moving the head in certain directions. Vertigo is often associated with issues in the inner ear or problems in the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance.
COMMON CAUSES OF VERTIGO
Understanding the causes of vertigo can help determine how long it might last and what type of treatment is appropriate. Below are some of the most common causes:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is one of the leading causes of vertigo and is usually short-lived but recurrent. It happens when tiny calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear become dislodged and migrate into semicircular canals. This disrupts balance and creates a false sense of spinning. Episodes usually last only a few seconds to a couple of minutes and are triggered by specific head movements.
- Meniere’s Disease This is a chronic condition involving an abnormal buildup of fluid in the inner ear. It causes sudden episodes of vertigo, often accompanied by hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Vertigo episodes can last from 20 minutes to several hours or more. The condition may progress and lead to permanent hearing loss.
- Vestibular Migraine This is a type of migraine that causes vertigo in addition to the usual migraine symptoms such as headaches, sensitivity to light, and nausea. Episodes can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours or even days. It is more common than many people realize and can sometimes be mistaken for other vestibular disorders.
- Vestibular Neuronitis (or Vestibular Neuritis) Vestibular neuronitis is caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often due to a viral infection. The onset is usually sudden and intense, with symptoms that include spinning, difficulty walking, nausea, and balance problems. Vertigo from this condition may last several hours to a few days and can persist for weeks in some cases.
- Stroke or Head Injury More severe causes of vertigo include strokes and traumatic brain injuries that impact the brain's balance centers. This form of vertigo is often persistent and may be accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as weakness, slurred speech, or double vision. It requires immediate medical attention.
HOW LONG DOES VERTIGO LAST WITHOUT TREATMENT?
The duration of vertigo episodes varies depending on the underlying condition:
- BPPV: Usually lasts a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
- Vestibular Migraine: Can last minutes to several days.
- Meniere’s Disease: May last for 20 minutes to several hours.
- Vestibular Neuronitis: Can persist from several days to weeks.
- Stroke/Head Injury: Vertigo may be long-lasting or even permanent.
If you're living in Dubai and experiencing these symptoms, early diagnosis and proper treatment from a vertigo specialist in Dubai can help minimize the impact of vertigo and prevent it from becoming a chronic issue.
VERTIGO DIAGNOSIS IN DUBAI
A correct diagnosis is the first step to effective treatment. In Dubai, ENT specialists and dizziness treatment centers use advanced diagnostic techniques to evaluate vertigo, including:
- Audiometry: Tests hearing ability to rule out Meniere’s disease and other auditory causes.
- Videonystagmography (VNG): Assesses eye movements to detect vestibular disorders.
- MRI Scans: Used in cases where stroke or tumors are suspected.
- Dix-Hallpike Maneuver: Helps diagnose BPPV by triggering symptoms in a controlled setting.
These tests help identify the specific type of vertigo and guide the best treatment approach.
Best Vertigo Treatment in Dubai
Treatment options vary based on the root cause of vertigo. In Dubai, Tarabichi Healthcare offers expert care with a range of options:
- Conservative/Home Remedies
- Maintain hydration and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.
- Consider stress-reducing techniques like yoga and meditation.
- Use a dark, quiet room to rest during episodes.
- Physical Therapy and Maneuvers
- Epley Maneuver: Especially effective for treating BPPV by repositioning the dislodged crystals.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): A set of physical exercises designed to strengthen the vestibular system and improve balance.
- Medication
- Antihistamines and anti-nausea medications may be used for short-term relief.
- Diuretics for Meniere’s disease to reduce inner ear fluid.
- Migraine medications for vestibular migraines.
- Surgical Options In rare cases where vertigo is debilitating and unresponsive to other treatments, surgical intervention may be considered. This includes:
- Vestibular Neurectomy
- Labyrinthectomy
- Posterior Semicircular Canal Occlusion These are typically last-resort options and come with associated risks.
Self-Care Tips to Manage Vertigo
- Sit or lie down immediately when you feel dizzy.
- Avoid sudden head or body movements.
- Use support while walking, especially during an episode.
- Minimize screen time or exposure to flashing lights.
- Follow your prescribed therapy or medication schedule strictly.
WHEN TO SEE A VERTIGO SPECIALIST IN DUBAI
It’s important to seek professional help if you experience:
- Frequent or prolonged episodes of vertigo
- Hearing loss or tinnitus
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Trouble walking or maintaining balance
- Symptoms following a head injury
At Tarabichi Healthcare in Dubai, our ENT specialists use cutting-edge diagnostics and tailored treatment plans to manage vertigo effectively. Whether your vertigo is caused by BPPV, Meniere’s disease, vestibular migraine, or another condition, our team is committed to helping you regain your quality of life.
CONSULT THE BEST ENT DOCTOR IN DUBAI
If you or a loved one is struggling with persistent vertigo, it could be more than just occasional dizziness, early evaluation and treatment may offer lasting relief and improve quality of life.
Our team of the Best ENT doctors in Dubai, at Tarabichi Healthcare is committed to delivering world-class care with precision and compassion.
Meet our dedicated specialists: Dr. Muaaz Tarabichi, Dr. Michael Timms, Dr. Mustafa Kapadia, Dr. Satish Jain, Dr. Nazik Elfadil and Dr. Jamal Kassouma.
We provide minimally invasive treatments tailored to your condition, with a strong focus on safety, accuracy, and long-term results.
For Consultations and Appointments, reach out to us at