Main Causes of Vertigo & Dizziness
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Feeling as though the world is spinning around you even when you're standing still is a classic sign of vertigo. For many, this sensation can come on suddenly, last for seconds, or linger for hours or even days. But how long does vertigo actually last? And when should you seek professional help?
In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of vertigo, their underlying causes, how long each typically lasts, and the most effective treatment options available. If you're looking for the best vertigo clinic in Dubai or an experienced ENT Specialist in Dubai, this article will provide the clarity you need.
WHAT IS VERTIGO?
Vertigo is more than just occasional dizziness, it's a false sense of motion where you may feel like you or your surroundings are spinning, tilting, or swaying. It’s often triggered by changes in head position, such as turning over in bed or quickly looking up.
While the sensation is alarming, vertigo itself is not a disease. It’s a symptom that usually points to a problem in the vestibular (balance) system, most commonly located in the inner ear or brain.
MAIN CAUSES OF VERTIGO
Different medical conditions can lead to vertigo. Understanding the root cause is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment and predicting how long symptoms will persist.
1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is one of the leading causes of vertigo. It happens when tiny crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and interfere 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, often accompanied by hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and tinnitus. Vertigo episodes in Meniere’s disease can last anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours or even an entire day.
3. Vestibular Migraine
People suffering from vestibular migraines experience dizziness or vertigo along with typical migraine symptoms like light sensitivity, nausea, and headaches. These episodes can range in duration from a few minutes to multiple days.
4. Vestibular Neuronitis
This condition involves inflammation of the vestibular nerve, typically caused by a viral infection. It results in sudden, intense vertigo that may last several hours or days. Patients may struggle with balance and walking during this period.
5. Head Trauma or Stroke
If you've recently suffered a stroke or head injury, vertigo can be a long-term or even permanent symptom. In such cases, recovery depends heavily on the severity of the injury and how early treatment begins.
For chronic or complex cases, visiting a vertigo specialist in Dubai can ensure the condition is accurately diagnosed and managed with expert care.
DIAGNOSING VERTIGO: WHAT TO EXPECT
At Tarabichi ENT, proper diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Specialists at this leading vertigo clinic in Dubai will assess your symptoms, evaluate your balance, and may conduct hearing tests or imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to rule out more serious underlying causes.
A detailed evaluation helps identify whether the vertigo is due to a peripheral (inner ear) issue or a central (brain-related) disorder.
HOW LONG CAN VERTIGO LAST WITHOUT MEDICAL TREATMENT?
The duration of vertigo without intervention depends heavily on its underlying cause:
- BPPV: Brief episodes, often under 2 minutes, but can recur frequently without treatment.
- Meniere’s Disease: Episodes can last for hours or longer; symptoms tend to recur unpredictably.
- Vestibular Migraine: Minutes to days; varies from person to person.
- Vestibular Neuronitis: Several hours to a few days; full recovery might take weeks.
- Stroke or Injury: Symptoms may persist long-term if left unmanaged.
Even when vertigo seems to resolve on its own, it's wise to consult with an ENT specialist in Dubai to prevent recurrence or complications.
EFFECTIVE VERTIGO TREATMENTS IN DUBAI
When it comes to managing vertigo, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis, severity, and how vertigo is affecting your daily life. Here's how specialists address vertigo and dizziness in Dubai:
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, doctors 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
Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments, especially for BPPV. The two 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 vertigo clinics in Dubai 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 or a spinning sensation, it could be more than just occasional imbalance. Early evaluation and treatment of vertigo, especially when caused by underlying conditions, can provide effective relief and greatly enhance 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. 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