How Do I Know If I Have Vertigo?

Any sort of dizziness or spinning sensation can make it hard to navigate daily life. When you have a flareup of vertigo, it can make it downright impossible to accomplish simple daily tasks.

Vertigo is a lot more complicated than just a quick episode of dizziness. When you experience vertigo, your whole world and your surroundings feel like they are shifting and moving around you. Some people describe it as a “swooping” sensation. If you are interested in learning more about what vertigo feels like, our AFC Urgent Care Fountain City team gives you all the information below!

Who Is Affected By Vertigo?

Vertigo is a symptom that presents when you are suffering from some sort of condition. Most of the time, it is the result of an imbalance within your inner ear that is throwing off your equilibrium. Conditions like migraines, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or labyrinthitis all can cause vertigo.

Some bouts of vertigo only last for a couple of seconds to a minute, but the more serious cases can last for days to weeks. If you fall into the days or weeks category, it is time to meet with a medical provider to figure out the underlying cause.

Additional Vertigo Sensations

  • Intense spinning or world shifting sensations
  • Inability to move or bend without making it worse
  • Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
  • Motion sickness
  • Nausea/vomiting

What Is a Good At-Home Vertigo Remedy?

While there are a few things you can do at home to reduce your symptoms, vertigo will eventually go away on its own (in most cases). You can use some anti-nausea medications or try some ginger drops to help alleviate nausea, and you should move slowly throughout the day to minimize the intensity of any spinning sensations.

If your vertigo is induced by a case of BPPV, there are certain head movements and positions that you can do to adjust calcium deposits in your ear. These should only be done under the supervision of your medical provider, but once they are done correctly, you may feel relief almost right away.

Helping Your Vertigo Symptoms

  • 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, it is time to see a medical provider. Drop by one of our AFC Urgent Care Fountain City locations to be seen quickly!