People who have experienced vertigo before often explain it like an intense spinning and world-shifting sensation. It is much more than just a dizzy feeling and it can actually cause you to lose your balance and fall over.

If you are in the middle of an episode of vertigo, seeking relief is probably in the forefront of your mind! Read on from our AFC Urgent Care Gastonia team to learn some simple tips to manage your symptoms below.

Why Did I Develop Vertigo?

Vertigo can come from a variety of conditions, but it most commonly comes from an imbalance within your inner ear canal and the calcium carbonate crystals that reside there. When those crystals get dislodged or moved around, your equilibrium is thrown off.

An imbalanced equilibrium makes it hard to stand up or move around without experiencing a sickening spinning sensation. Many cases of vertigo will eventually resolve on their own within a day or so, but any lingering cases that last days to weeks should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out a more serious diagnosis.

Other Vertigo Symptoms

• Intense spinning or world shifting sensations
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
• Motion sickness

What Conditions Put Me at Risk of Vertigo?

Vertigo is usually associated with another issue or condition happening inside your body. Labyrinthitis, migraines and a specific type of vertigo called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can all throw off your inner balance and cause the above symptoms of vertigo.

Most cases of vertigo will eventually fade away in their own time, but that doesn’t help in the moment when your world is spinning in front of your eyes! In the meantime, try some of the simple tips below to help reduce the severity of your spinning.

Symptom Management Tips

• Move slowly throughout your day.
• Sleep with your head elevated.
• Avoid bending over; bend with your knees and keep your head up.
• Turn your whole body, not just your head.

If your vertigo becomes severe or is recurrent, you should be evaluated by a medical provider. Drop by AFC Urgent Care Gastonia to be seen quickly!