Health Blog

Feeling the world spin around you is a classic sign of vertigo. This sensation can come on suddenly, lasting for seconds or lingering for days. But how long does vertigo actually last? And when should you seek help from an ENT specialist in Dubai?

In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of vertigo, their causes, how long each typically lasts, and the most effective treatments. If you're looking for the best ENT clinic in Dubai, this article will provide the clarity and answers you need.

WHAT IS VERTIGO?

Vertigo is more than just dizziness; it's a false sense of motion where you feel like you or your surroundings are spinning or tilting. It is often triggered by changes in head position, such as turning over in bed or looking up quickly.

While the sensation is alarming, vertigo itself is a symptom, not a disease. It usually points to a problem in the vestibular (balance) system, which is most commonly located in the inner ear or the brain. Understanding its origin is key to effective vertigo treatment in Dubai.

MAIN CAUSES OF VERTIGO

Different medical conditions can lead to vertigo. Identifying the root cause is a crucial step that the best ENT clinic in Dubai will take to determine the right treatment and predict how long your symptoms will persist.

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is a leading cause of vertigo. It occurs when tiny crystals in your inner ear become dislodged, interfering with your balance. BPPV episodes are usually short, lasting from a few seconds to two minutes, and are often triggered by specific head movements.

2. Meniere’s Disease

This chronic condition affects the inner ear and can cause recurring episodes of vertigo. These are often accompanied by hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and tinnitus. Vertigo from Meniere’s disease can last anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours.

3. Vestibular Migraine

People with vestibular migraines experience vertigo along with typical migraine symptoms like light sensitivity, nausea, and headaches. These dizzying episodes can range in duration from a few minutes to multiple days.

4. Vestibular Neuronitis

This condition involves inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often caused by a viral infection. It results in sudden, intense vertigo that may last for several hours or even days. Patients often struggle with balance during this time.

5. Head Trauma or Stroke

If you have recently suffered a stroke or head injury, vertigo can be a long-term symptom. In these cases, recovery depends heavily on the severity of the injury and how quickly treatment begins. For such complex cases, visiting an ENT specialist in Dubai ensures the condition is managed with expert care.

Diagnosing Vertigo: What to Expect at an ENT Clinic

Proper diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. At our leading vertigo clinic in Dubai, specialists will assess your symptoms, evaluate your balance, and may conduct hearing tests or imaging studies like an MRI or CT scan to rule out serious underlying causes. This detailed evaluation helps identify if the vertigo is a peripheral (inner ear) or central (brain-related) issue.

HOW LONG CAN VERTIGO LAST WITHOUT MEDICAL TREATMENT?

The duration of vertigo without medical intervention depends heavily on its cause:

• BPPV: Brief episodes, often under two minutes, but they can recur without treatment.
• Meniere’s Disease: Episodes can last for hours, and symptoms tend to recur unpredictably.
• Vestibular Migraine: The duration can be minutes to days, varying between individuals.
• Vestibular Neuronitis: Can last several hours to a few days, with full recovery taking weeks.
• Stroke or Injury: Symptoms may persist long-term if left unmanaged.

Even if vertigo seems to resolve on its own, it is wise to consult an ENT specialist in Dubai to prevent complications.

EFFECTIVE VERTIGO TREATMENTS IN DUBAI

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing vertigo. The right ENT services in Dubai will tailor treatment to your specific diagnosis and how the condition affects your daily life.

1. Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies

In many mild cases, especially with BPPV or vestibular migraines, small changes can make a big difference:

• Stay hydrated
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco
• Try natural supplements (under medical advice)
• Rest in a quiet, dark room during episodes
• Avoid sudden head movements

These self-care methods can reduce both the frequency and intensity of vertigo spells.

2. Medications

To alleviate acute symptoms, an ENT doctor in Dubai may prescribe:

• Antihistamines
• Anti-nausea medications
• Sedatives for severe dizziness

These are generally short-term solutions and should only be used under medical supervision.

3. Physical Therapy and Repositioning Techniques

PPhysical therapy is one of the most effective treatments, especially for BPPV. The most common methods include:

• Epley Maneuver: A simple repositioning technique to move dislodged inner ear crystals.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): Customized exercises that retrain your brain to interpret balance signals correctly.

The best ENT clinic in Dubai will offer in-house rehabilitation programs guided by trained specialists.

4. Surgical Interventions

In rare cases where other treatments fail, surgery may be considered. Procedures include:

• Vestibular neurectomy – cutting the nerve responsible for balance signals
• Labyrinthectomy – removal of the balance portion of the inner ear
• Canal plugging – used in persistent BPPV

Such surgeries are highly specialized and should only be performed by the best vertigo surgeon in Dubai after thorough evaluation.

When to Seek a Vertigo Specialist in Dubai

You should seek medical advice if:

• Your vertigo episodes last longer than a few minutes
• You're experiencing hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• You struggle with balance or coordination
• Symptoms follow a head injury or neurological event
• Your quality of life is affected

The sooner you consult a vertigo specialist in Dubai, the sooner you can begin appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of recurrence.

CONSULT THE BEST ENT DOCTOR IN DUBAI 

If you or a loved one is experiencing frequent dizziness, it could be more than an occasional imbalance. Early evaluation and treatment from the best ENT clinic in Dubai can provide effective relief and enhance your daily well-being.

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. Shailesh Khode, Dr. Baher Ashour, and Dr. Jamal Kassouma. We provide minimally invasive treatments tailored to your condition, with a focus on safety, accuracy, and long-term results.

For Consultations and Appointments, reach out to us at:
Call: +971 44 131 000
WhatsApp: +971 52 706 7114