Diseases & Conditions
Coping with recurring vertigo
Controlling underlying conditions, seeking physical therapy, and performing certain maneuvers can help.
- Reviewed by Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Health Letter
Attacks of vertigo can be terrifying, temporarily disabling, and dangerous — increasing the risk of falls and injuries. An attack feels like the world is spinning around you or moving in some way. "It could feel like you are rocking on the deck of a ship, bouncing on a pogo stick, or standing in an elevator that drops a few inches," says Dr. Steven Rauch, medical director of the Balance and Vestibular Center at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts Eye and Ear.
Vertigo flare-ups can last anywhere from minutes to months, depending on the cause. For many people, attacks of vertigo recur periodically. Fortunately, there are ways to end an episode and reduce suffering, and you may be able to prevent vertigo from coming back.
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About the Author
Heidi Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter
About the Reviewer
Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Health Letter
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