Hello, I'm Dr. Emily Carter, a neurologist with over 15 years of experience. I specialize in diagnosing and treating vertigo, a condition that can be incredibly debilitating.

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or movement when you're actually standing still. It can be caused by a variety of things, from inner ear infections to problems with the brain. The duration of vertigo can vary greatly depending on the underlying cause.

Here's a breakdown of different causes of vertigo and their typical durations:

**1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):**

BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. It's caused by tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear getting dislodged and moving into the wrong place. This causes a false sense of movement.

Symptoms of BPPV usually last a few seconds to a minute and are triggered by specific head movements.

* Treatment: Epley maneuver (a series of head movements designed to reposition the otoconia).
* Duration: BPPV episodes can resolve quickly after treatment, but they can recur.

**2. Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis:**

These are viral infections that affect the inner ear. They cause inflammation and damage to the inner ear structures responsible for balance.

* Symptoms: Severe vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and hearing loss.
* Duration: Symptoms typically last several days to a few weeks, but some people may experience lingering symptoms for months.

3. Meniere's Disease:

Meniere's disease is a disorder that affects the inner ear, causing episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.

* Symptoms: Episodes of vertigo can last 20 minutes to several hours and may recur several times a day or week.
* Duration: Meniere's disease is a chronic condition, meaning it lasts for a long time.

4. Migraines:

Some people with migraines experience vertigo as an aura symptom.

* Symptoms: Vertigo may occur before or during the headache and can last a few minutes to several hours.
* Duration: The duration of migraine-related vertigo varies depending on the individual and the type of migraine.

5. Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke):

A stroke affecting the brain stem or cerebellum can cause vertigo.

* Symptoms: Vertigo may be accompanied by other neurological symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking.
* Duration: Vertigo caused by a stroke can be persistent or temporary, depending on the severity of the stroke.

6. Medications:

Some medications, such as antibiotics and anticonvulsants, can cause vertigo as a side effect.

* Symptoms: Vertigo may be mild or severe and can last as long as you're taking the medication.
* Duration: Once you stop taking the medication, the vertigo should subside.

7. Head Injury:

A head injury can damage the inner ear or the brain structures involved in balance, leading to vertigo.

* Symptoms: Vertigo may be mild or severe and can last for days, weeks, or even months after the injury.
* Duration: The duration of vertigo after a head injury depends on the severity of the injury and the amount of damage.

8. Psychological Conditions:

Anxiety, panic disorder, and other mental health conditions can trigger vertigo symptoms.

* Symptoms: Vertigo may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and shortness of breath.
* Duration: The duration of vertigo associated with psychological conditions can vary greatly.

If you're experiencing vertigo, it's important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause. They can perform a physical exam and order tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to help diagnose the problem. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life.

Remember: The duration of vertigo is a complex issue and can vary depending on a range of factors. If you're experiencing vertigo, it's essential to seek medical attention to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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It usually lasts a few hours or days, but it may take three to six weeks to settle completely. Severe vertigo is sometimes caused by a rare condition that affects the inner ear, called M��ni��re's disease. This can cause vertigo, as well as hearing loss, tinnitus and aural fullness (a feeling of pressure in your ear).read more >>