Understanding Vertigo: Should You Wait for it to Go Away?
If you're dealing with vertigo, you might be wondering: will it just go away on its own? Well, let's figure out if your best move is to take action or sit tight and let it pass. I break this question up into different causes of vertigo as you’ll see below:
BPPV
Let’s start with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), for example. It's like a little party of loose crystals in your inner ear, causing dizziness when you move your head. Sure, it can vanish on its own, but why wait? I've sorted out BPPV for patients in just one visit, saving them weeks or even months of discomfort. Plus, untreated BPPV can up your risk of falls and increase your risk of developing BPPV again, so don't sleep on it (literally and figuratively! ha, I crack myself up!).
Vestibular Neuritis
Then there's vestibular neuritis, inflammation of the inner ear nerve usually sparked by a viral infection. The initial spinning may ease up, but you're left with lingering dizziness and imbalance. Sure, it might fade with time, but I'm all about proactive solutions like vestibular exercises to speed up the recovery process and avoid chronic diagnoses down the line. If you can get into see an ENT that specializes in vestibular disorders, they may be able to give you steroids within the first 72 hours, or you can advocate with your primary care for them, but often times it’s a tall order to try to get into a physician within that time frame who will prescribe you what you need. After 72 hours, steroids haven’t been shown to be very effective, but vestibular exercises have!
3PD, Cervicogenic Dizziness, Vestibular Migraines
Now, if you're dealing with something like vestibular migraines, persistent postural perceptual dizziness (3PD), or cervicogenic dizziness, waiting around isn't your best bet. These conditions tend to stick around and worsen if left unchecked. That's where targeted treatments like vestibular physical therapy come into play, helping you reclaim your balance and get rid of those dizzy spells.
And let's not forget about lifestyle factors. Things like stress, diet, and sleep can all influence vertigo symptoms. By pinpointing your triggers and making some tweaks, you can dial down the frequency and intensity of those dizzy episodes.
So, bottom line: don't just twiddle your thumbs and hope vertigo will vanish into thin air. Take charge of your recovery journey, explore your options, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need a helping hand. Together, we'll navigate the twists and turns of vertigo and get you back feeling grounded and stable again.
If you would like help with navigating your vertigo recovery, sign up for my Vertigo Recovery Membership here!
