Vertigo is not just a spell of dizziness. When you have vertigo, your world seems to continually spin or is constantly in motion around you. It can be debilitating and can create significant struggles in your daily life.
Vertigo itself isn’t a disease, rather, it is a symptom stemming from a variety of conditions. It is relatively common, affecting about 40% of Americans at least once during their lifetimes. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Hickory takes you through the details about vertigo below.
Where Does Vertigo Come From?
Vertigo can be a symptom of many different conditions, but the most common of them come from some sort of imbalance within your ear. Migraines, labyrinthitis and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, are all common reasons you experience vertigo.
A simple case of vertigo may only last a few seconds to a couple of minutes, but there is a chance that it could linger for some time. Any time your vertigo is severe enough to affect your daily life or lasts for days or weeks, it is time to see a medical provider to be evaluated.
Symptoms of Vertigo
- Intense spinning or world shifting sensations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
- Motion sickness
How Does Vertigo Go Away?
Most cases of vertigo will eventually go away on their own, but there are some things you can do to help relieve some of your symptoms while you wait. Certain medications and anti-nausea remedies can help relieve your upset stomach. You should also take care to move slowly throughout your day to minimize the spinning sensation.
If your vertigo is due to BPPV, there are specific head movements that can help move calcium deposits through your ear and reduce the spinning sensation. These movements should only be done under supervision to ensure they are done properly.
Tips to Minimize a Vertigo Attack
- Stand up slowly.
- Sleep with your head elevated.
- Avoid turning your head; turn your whole body instead.
- Squat to pick up something instead of bending over.
If your vertigo becomes severe or is recurrent, you should be evaluated by a medical provider. Drop by AFC Urgent Care Hickory to be seen quickly!
