How long can vertigo last in a patient with Meniere's disease?

In patients with Meniere's disease, vertigo typically lasts for a duration that can range from 20 minutes to several hours. This episodic vertigo is characterized by spontaneous and intermittent attacks that can significantly affect a person's balance and stability.

The correct choice indicates that vertigo can last for hours, which aligns with the clinical presentation of Meniere's disease. During an episode, patients may feel a spinning sensation, which can be debilitating and lead to nausea and vomiting. The unpredictable nature of these episodes, along with their duration, is a hallmark of the condition.

In contrast, the other durations listed—seconds, minutes, and days—do not accurately reflect the typical experience of vertigo in Meniere's disease. While brief episodes of vertigo can occur due to other conditions, the extended duration of vertigo experienced during Meniere's attacks is one of the defining characteristics of the disease. Understanding these characteristics can help in both diagnosis and treatment planning for patients suffering from Meniere's disease.