How long does vertigo last?

Brief episodes brought on by rolling in bed, looking up, or turning the head can occur with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. A longer spell with hearing changes, ear pressure, or ringing may fit an inner-ear problem such as Meniere's Disease. Infection, migraine, medication effects, and other balance disorders can also produce dizziness that lingers after the spinning settles. The duration alone cannot identify the cause.

Sit or lie down when spinning begins, move your head slowly, use support when walking, and avoid driving, heights, or machinery until your balance is reliable. Drink fluids if you can, and record what started each episode, how long it lasted, hearing symptoms, headache, nausea, and any new medicine. A clinician may examine eye movements, ears, walking, and positional triggers; treatment may include targeted repositioning such as the Epley Manoeuvre when appropriate.

Seek urgent help for vertigo with facial weakness, trouble speaking, new severe headache, fainting, chest pain, one-sided weakness, new double vision, inability to walk, or sudden hearing loss. Arrange a medical review if episodes recur, symptoms do not improve, vomiting prevents fluids, or an earache or fever is present, as a Middle Ear Infection may need treatment.

Could the pattern fit positional vertigo, migraine, or an ear condition? Do I need a hearing or balance assessment? Is a supervised Epley Manoeuvre suitable for me? Which medicines or activities should I avoid while dizzy?