"How Long Does Vertigo Last?" (BPPV)

If you're experiencing vertigo, you might be wondering "how long will this last?"
In this video, I'm going to answer this questions from two angles: first, how long will the immediate episode last... second, how long will you continue to have these episodes.
I'll be focusing on vertigo caused by BPPV, but I'll also explain briefly how this differs from vertigo cause by other medical issues.
Please leave a comment or share your story before you go! And don't forget to subscribe to my channel!
- Luke Gordon, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy/Owner of Gordon Physical Therapy
www.gordonphysicaltherapy.com...

[@iamdebmiller]

Thank you for these explanations.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

You're quite welcome, Deb! Happy to help :-)

[@valerielisa6896]

This was the best one out of the other's I was looking up 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Thank you!

[@hamiltonbean]

I appreciate this video and comments. I had my first experience of vertigo 5 days ago after sitting up in bed. It was with worst spinning I’ve ever felt, and I was frightened. I thereafter avoided turning to the left in bed but have felt unsteady much of the time. Yesterday, my doctor confirmed left side vertigo and told me to do Brandt-Daroff exercise three times a day. I started last night. I couldn’t keep my head in the right position because the spinning was so intense my body wouldn’t let me. Also last night when asleep, I accidentally turned to the left and started spinning. It really is an awful problem. I did the exercise this morning and fought through the spinning as best I could. By the fifth set, I couldn’t trigger the intense spin no matter which way I tilted my head, so that was encouraging. I can tell it’s still “off” in there, but I am hopeful that I can power through the spinning more and more and get better within a couple days. Good luck to those suffering through this awfulness.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

If you're still having vertigo, check out the Epley Maneuver. Brandt-Daroff exercises won't usually put the inner ear crystals back where they belong.

[@danapertile106]

Hi, I had my first vertigo attack just before Christmas last year. It appeared at night when I was sleeping. I woke up and my whole world was spinning like crazy. I couldn't even sit up! So my husband called an ambulance, they took me to hospital and they did the CT scan and other tests and diagnosed me with BPPV. The neurologist did the Epley maneuver with me, but it did not help at all. She might have done the other maneuver too, but I was so incredibly sick that I don't really remember. My head was spinning a lot for hours and hours. The maneuvers did not help at all. I was just laying there waiting for it to stop. They sent me home in the morning but my head was still spinning, even though it was not as much as during the night. I spent the entire Christmas just lying. Everytime I moved my head, I got dizzy. Not too much, but enough to feel unable to do much around the house. Thank God I had almost 2 weeks of Christmas holiday (I'm from Europe). By the New Year's Day, it got OK, so I was able to get back to work. But I still experienced mild symptoms and I had to pay attention to the movement of my head - not to make too fast movements. From then on, I did not experience the attacks or symptoms at all during the day (only from time to time), but at night, when I lay down on my bed, my head started spinning again. Every single night, but just for a few seconds or up to a minute. So I thought it would disappear soon. But in April, I got another strong attack. It was milder than the first one, but still strong enough for me to stay at home and not to go to work as I felt sick again. After 2 days, it stopped. It hasn't appeared since but from time to time, I do feel some slight symptoms. The second attack was actually caused by me trying to do the Epley maneuver, that's what started it. My husband's colleague experienced the same thing - he got vertigo about half a year ago, and had to deal with it for over 4 months every day. So when I hear you saying that it should last much shorter, I am confused. Do I really have BPPV? My neurologist said that the first attack was caused by an inner ear inflammation (it was so mild that I did not even notice it!).

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Thank you for sharing your story! I think the key here is to figure out if you actually have BPPV or if you have inner ear inflammation (neuritis). If you haven't seen a specialist yet, I'd highly recommend you connect with an ENT or experienced vestibular PT. They should be able to help you understand the cause of your vertigo (and hopefully eliminate it!).

[@elizabethwielinski9013]

I’ve had it for over 2 months now I’m starting to get scared is a everyday thing

[@mandychastain6583]

Well the hospital told me the same it came out of no where can it's everyday for almost a month I'm off balance when I walk and also dizzy

[@MMcGee91]

Hi! Trying to figure out if I have BPPV or an ear infection or something else. 3 days ago on my way home from work, some lightheadedness turned into a dizziness (world rotating around counter clockwise after every blink). Threw up twice that night because of it. It has since gotten quite a bit better since, I've gradually been able to walk more without holding something, but still off balance here and there. I don't get the spinning that much anymore, it's mostly become a feeling of momentum as I move my head and turn around corners. Which has even then been decreasing little bits every day. What has also improved is the feeling that when I looked at myself in the mirror, for the world to feel level, my head had to be tilted slightly left. The other day I was trying Dix and Supine, but I just didn't get a feeling of spinning anymore with any of the movements. Just momentum/speed while I was moving my head, especially rotating to either side. I've not had any other symptoms really, I think I've maybe felt a tiny tiny pain in my ear like 3 times over the past 3 days. Light headache yesterday evening. At this point it's just this momentous feeling when moving that makes me a little nauseous if I move too much. Taking Meclizine which has helped a good bit. I think I'm on the downturn of this, but this long tail of recovery still has me concerned. I'm guessing the early spike and slow recovery over days could point more to an infection? I've also had a lot of anxiety, and the day it occured happened to be the first day back to work with a long commute after a surgery a month ago. Dr. on Telehealth apt said BPPV mainly due to my saying it was movement related. Finally, this whole time since the start, I've been able to close my eyes without any symptoms. Any ideas? Thanks Gordon, your videos have been very informative over the past couple days!

[@tinawilstrup955]

My vertigo started 3.5 weeks ago. I did Epley for 5 days (at home, I'm in Europe and waiting for a Doc app would be months). The exercises made me incredibly dizzy and nauseated and the nausea would stay for 6-8 hours. So I stopped doing them. It's slowly gotten better by it self and last night was the first night where I could ALMOST lay down flat and sleep. I've been sitting more or less since. I'm being very careful with how I tilt my head and I feel like it's still sort of there and I need to be careful not to provoke it. Last night though, I layed my head on the right ear (with vertigo) to test for dizzyness, and I noticed that there's slight pain in my ear. It's the same ear that had the drum punctured 5-ish years ago due to an infection. I wouldn't say I have a cold, but my nose does clog up. So, now I'm wondering if the vertigo could possibly be due to an ear infection? Or possibly even a simple cold? I don't feel sick and I'm not experiencing pain in my ear during the day. But could this explain why the Epley made me feel so bad? Or why it seems to be getting better by itself? And if it is due to an infection, will it go all away when the infection clears?

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

It doesn't really sound like you have an active ear infection, although it's worth ruling out. If you're having vertigo with the Dix-Halpike Test (the first position of the Epley), then you still have BPPV. It might be improving slowly as you start to avoid aggravating movements and positions, but it's unlikely to clear on its own until you effectively treat it. If you need help, I would go straight to a PT who specializes in vertigo treatments. With any luck, it will only take 2-3 visits to clear you up. I hope that helps! Post back here again with an update if you can.

[@tinawilstrup955]

@@GordonPhysicalTherapy problem is, in Denmark we are advised to do the Epley at home, 3 times for both ears, 3 times a day, for 2 weeks - or until we're no longer experiencing dizziness. That's sadly the system here 😏

[@ErickGarcia-cj2uf]

@@tinawilstrup955How are you now?

[@user-vx1ty3lw3j]

I had my first episode of Vertigo over a year ago. I have no idea what brought it on. After going through multiple tests with an ENT I was diagnosed with BPPV. I had a few treatments using the Epley maneuver and it seemed to go away for a while. But I still have moments where if I lift my head up and down the vertigo seems to come back. It seems to happen mostly when i am exercising for some reason. I have gone back for more treatments but would really like to have permanent solution to the problem.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Are you doing any follow-up vestibular exercises, such as "X1 viewing"? That should help with your residual symptoms.

[@lebooshdiaries]

Hello Gordon, thank you for your content. I suffered my first vertigo attack last friday and i felt dizzy while in bed and when I change positions, sitting up from bed, standing, moving my head to left or right. Is it BPPV? I watched your video about how to identify if it's BPPV but am still unsure. It does sound like it but when you mentioned it doesn't last that long, am wondering if it is something else because mine lasts the entire day as long as i move, even the slightest bit. I actually thought I have vertigo that is related to my SCM muscle as that muscle was incredibly tight and painful few days leading up to my dizziness. It is still tight and painful when i press on it to massage (esp the soft part of the head behind my ear). My GP doesn't really know and he recommends me to go and check it out with an orthopedic specialist. What would a SCM vertigo feel like, is it different than BPPV? Thank you so much, hope to hear your kind reply.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Hi there! Checking for BPPV via the Dix-Halpike and Supine Roll Test is fairly quick and straight forward, so I'd probably start there just to see if you have inner ear BPPV. If you can find a PT to help you with the tests, even better! Muscular issues can cause vertigo as well, so your SCM could be involved. I'm not sure what an orthopedist would be able to offer you, so again you might start with an experienced PT first. I hope that helps!

[@lebooshdiaries]

@@GordonPhysicalTherapy thank you for your reply! i will see if i can do the tests by myself. PTs in my country are mostly not as experienced, not the same level as you and there aren't many. I will see what I can do. Thank you so much!!

[@swlegacy7821]

thank you for the great video, I got Vertigo 10 days ago turning to a by left while in bed suddenly. It makes sleeping very difficult as im always stressed about accidentally bringing it on by rolling over. I got the Eply menouver done 4 days ago, feel a lil better but just a lil off and ligh headed at times, veru mild symptoms here and there. Is this normal, is this a slow recovery?

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Mild residual symptoms are definitely normal. Make sure you retest with the Dix-Halpike to make sure your BPPV is taken care of. If it is, try out these exercises next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3uVmaOsiL1nf8U Also, make sure you rule out horizontal canal vertigo by doing the Supine Roll Test.

[@serinaa5561]

I am suffering from Bppv since 2015! I have to use two pillows. I saw ENT specialist and it is confirmed that I have BPPV

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Sorry to hear that! Did the ENT recommend treatment or help you with treatment?

[@ErickGarcia-cj2uf]

So bppv can stay with for a long time? Why the internet says it goes away on its own without treatment I don’t get it

[@lelahmanatad576]

First attack its spinning too much vomit when I go to ENT specialist he said I have ear inflammation nerve virus I'm kinda okay now not that spinning but its so irritating sitting down something is pulling you and lying down its like your in a boat...It will healed?I'm an OFW

[@msoptimistic2]

What about when the rapid eye movement phase eis over but you still feel like you're moving when you are up and about

[@michaelmorgan9009]

good question. i'd also like to know about this.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

The residual feelings of movement are pretty normal. Once you're able to clear the BPPV, you can then progress to vestibular exercises, and that should help clear those symptoms. Good qusetion!

[@bonbon96959]

What about the sweating and nausea that goes along with it. How do you fix that ?

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Good question! Once you fix the BPPV, the sweating and nausea will go away. However, some people will choose to take an anti-nausea med until they can get fully treated to help with the symptoms, such as meclizine. Talk to your doc about any medication requests.

[@bonbon96959]

I'm never where I should be when the spinning happens. Usually at work. It happened yesterday as soon as I walked in the building. It took almost an hour before I felt safe to drive home. I hate this.

[@christyohara1619]

I’ve had vertigo for 4 days. Just did the epley maneuver three times and also took aspirin. I’m not getting the spins but I’m generally nauseous. Going to urgent care to get some zofran or meclizine

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

I hope you're feeling better now!

[@Nikki_prince]

I have vertigo now. 2nd time in my life. Like you mine last 4 days. Been doing lots of exercises & seems to be fading I sure hope so

[@Esss17]

Hi, i suffered a vertigo attack as soon as i woke up in morning. Everything around me was spinning It’s been 5 days not getting any better I’m unable to sleep on my left Also I couldn’t able to tolerate dix hallpike How long will it last? And any exercise is unbearable for me

[@ruchirabanerjee6104]

I had BPPV which stopped after Canalith Repositioning but now residual dizziness is making my life miserable. I don't know when I am be normal again.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Have you tried doing vestibular exercises to reduce the residual dizziness? I have a video covering the basics: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3uVmaOsiL1nf8U

[@ruchirabanerjee6104]

I will watch and do the exercise

[@ErickGarcia-cj2uf]

How are you now

[@ruchirabanerjee6104]

@@ErickGarcia-cj2uf I have improved but not 100%. Light dizziness is still there.

[@mansiverma1042]

My father had sudden vertigo in the early morning about 3 weeks ago. As per doctor's prescription, he has been taking cinnarizine + dimenhydrinate - twice for first 10 days and then once a day now. The vertigo comes back if medicine is not taken on time. There is also some heaviness in the head frontal lobe. There is a feeling of fatigue too. We have not tried Epley. MRI scan seemed normal to doctor. How long is this expected to last? What kind of vertigo is this? Is there any harm in taking cinnarizine + dimenhydrinate for this long?

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Those medications are designed to help with symptoms of like nausea and vomiting, but they don't actually treat the BPPV. If your Dad still has BPPV, he'll need to treat it as soon as he can.

[@user-no6ul1ty1o]

Hi i dont know wht i have but feels like everything spinning around sometimes in my sleep and dizziness going worse day by day Can u explain me what the problem causing

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

I could be BPPV. Does the spinning seem to come on when you change positions, like when you roll over in bed?

[@smash9545]

Hello what doctor can treat BPPV ? I have been suffering from this the last 2 days.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Epley Maneuver for posterior canal BPPV, Gufoni Maneuver for horizontal canal BPPV.

[@ricardosmith3175]

Okay so i experiences this 2 days ago was sleeping jump up out my sleep and everwhere was spinning i was about to panic then i just relaxed let it do its thing and then the spinning stop the spinning only lasted for about 10 seconds i believe but for hole day i felt so nauseous for the hole day then the next day i felt better could start to bend and pick stuff up i notice any time i am laying down and leaned to the right feel a slight dizzy feeling but its mild some had a slight headace yesterday too but now am up i feel fine but just a bit lighted headed my experiences is not as intense as most of these people in the comments i just want to know if mine is something i need to worry bout will it goes away on its own?

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

It's hard to say what caused your spinning. I would start by checking for BPPV with the Dix-Halpike test and the Supine Roll Test. Good luck!

[@ErickGarcia-cj2uf]

Is there a chance of doin the manuever wrongly and ending up with worse vertigo than before?

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

You won't really end up worse in terms of the crystals in your inner ears, but it can certainly be a nauseating experience.

[@NefariousMinded]

Today is my 3rd day with the spinning and all I’ve learned so far is I might have peripheral vertigo. So here I am trying to find hope for myself. I can walk around find and even go up and down the stairs fine, but it triggers mostly when I’m lay down or stand up. And If I’m correct, it’s the right ear I’m having trouble with. Is it really there are loose crystals floating around in my ear canal that is causing this dizziness? I went to the ER a couple days ago and they gave me Ondansetron and meclizine. It kinda helps

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Yes, it sounds like you have BPPV (crystals in your canals). I would start with positional testing before you try any treatments, like the Epley Manuever.

[@nikkisilvis8067]

Why do my vertigo spells literally last for 8 day's straight with no "break" at all from it. It's pure misery. I've literally had to lay in the recliner for almost 8 days, unable to sit, or walk by myself, unable to eat anything except Popsicles and ginger ale (& saltines on the last 2 days). Sometimes I have it for 3 days, sometimes 5 , 8ts nothing that I can predict or prepare for (except to keep popsicles and ginger ale on hand.). I did notice that at a couple of the ER visits when they gave me Valium shots with phenergan Shots that it seemed to ease it up but it would always come back within overnight. The doctors haven't gave me any explanation and I was thinking it might be manure's disease but even with that it doesn't say that people have it for days and days and days. I mean it makes my life miserable. I can't find a prevention and I can't find a cure. I can't even find a diagnosis. Any and I'll help greatly greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

This definitely does not sound like BPPV. I'd keep pushing your doctors to find the underlying cause. Have you seen an ENT yet? If not, that might be a great next step. Good luck!

[@vee9133]

How are you now?

[@lararose9106]

Hi there just came across ur comment. Me 2 ive had dizziness for 2 years straight and im in a wheelchair because they couldnt find a cause or even med. How r u now did u find any answers i hope ur doing well

[@deepakm8324]

I get vertigo when I roll over on to my back In bed I sleep on my stomach and these last couple days it came out of nowhere I also get a little bit when turning to right side

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Have you tested your vertigo yet to see if it's posterior canal vs. horizontal?

[@detailmetail8622]

i had vertigo that lasted around 12 hours and the hospital said it was bppv. then it happened again 10 days later and lasted several hours is tgis even bppd

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

It could be BPPV, which is easy to test for. However, if it lasts 12 hours, it might be something else. I'd start with positional testing (Dix-Halpike and Supine Roll Test) and then go from there.

[@Liam.Johnston_]

Hey man, is this a permanent condition? Mine keeps coming back, I figured it would just leave but it hasn't... I'm pretty worried that it'll feel like this forever.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Sorry to hear that! Have you been able to successfully treat your vertigo, and then it just comes back again?

[@Liam.Johnston_]

@@GordonPhysicalTherapy I have been treated before! I had it in 2020 and treated it with subliminal medication (I don’t know which one) but it has kept coming back for the past couple months. I once had it for a night, then it went away when I woke up the next morning, I once had it for about a day but again it went away the next morning, and now I’ve had it for the past three days… thanks for the reply by the way!

[@abdal373]

I m suffering from bppv from last 25 days nd it is very scary my body is totally unbalaced nd feels like i n going fall .. i do Vng nd mri Test all normal 😢

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Have you had anyone test specifically for BPPV and do the Epley or Gufoni Maneuver with you? If not, that might be a great next step for you!

[@abdal373]

@@GordonPhysicalTherapy yes brother i got epley therepy 5-6 Times nothing has been change

[@BayohanVelez-yj7it]

@@abdal373 are you okay now? If so what was it