Vertigo vs. Dizziness: Understanding the Difference and Treatments

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Experiencing a sudden bout of light-headedness or feeling as if the room is spinning can be disorienting. While these sensations might be described as dizziness, they can also be a sign of vertigo. Although many people use the terms interchangeably, vertigo and dizziness are distinct conditions, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatment options. This blog will explain the differences between vertigo and dizziness, and offer guidance on effective dizziness treatment.

What is Dizziness?

Dizziness is a general term that describes sensations of light-headedness, unsteadiness, or feeling faint. It can occur for a variety of reasons, from dehydration to standing up too quickly. For many, it’s a fleeting experience that may last for only a few seconds or minutes. Dizziness can also be triggered by underlying health conditions such as low blood pressure, heart problems, or certain medications.

Common symptoms of dizziness include:

Feeling lightheaded or faint
A sense of imbalance or unsteadiness
Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision
Nausea

Although dizziness itself is not usually a cause for concern, frequent or severe episodes warrant further investigation, as they may signal an underlying health issue that requires medical attention.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo, on the other hand, is more specific. It involves the false sensation that either you or your surroundings are moving or spinning. Unlike dizziness, vertigo is often accompanied by more intense symptoms and is usually linked to issues with the inner ear, which controls balance.

There are two main types of vertigo:

Peripheral vertigo: This is caused by problems in the inner ear, such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease, or vestibular neuritis.
Central vertigo: This form stems from issues in the brain, such as migraines, multiple sclerosis, or even a stroke.

Symptoms of vertigo include:

A spinning or tilting sensation
Nausea and vomiting
Difficulty focusing or concentrating
Sweating
A sense of being pulled in one direction

As vertigo can significantly affect balance and coordination, those experiencing it may be at a greater risk of falls or injuries.

Key Differences Between Vertigo and Dizziness

While dizziness is more of a general symptom, vertigo is a specific condition linked to balance disorders. A key difference lies in the sensation itself—dizziness can make you feel lightheaded, while vertigo creates a strong sense of spinning or movement.

Another distinction is the duration and intensity. Dizziness often resolves quickly, while vertigo episodes can last much longer and may require medical intervention. Understanding these differences is crucial for both diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of Dizziness and Vertigo

Both vertigo and dizziness can arise from a variety of causes. However, the origins of each condition are different:

Dizziness: Common causes include dehydration, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, anxiety, and sinus infections. A sinus infection, for instance, can block nasal passages and affect the pressure in the ears, leading to feelings of lightheadedness.
Vertigo: The most common cause of peripheral vertigo is BPPV, where tiny crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and cause the sensation of spinning. Other causes include ear infections, Meniere’s disease, and vestibular migraines.

If you’re experiencing frequent dizziness or vertigo, it’s important to seek a medical assessment to pinpoint the cause and explore appropriate treatment options.

Dizziness Treatment

The treatment for dizziness often depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, simple lifestyle changes, such as staying hydrated, eating regularly, or avoiding sudden movements, can help reduce episodes of dizziness. For those with dizziness linked to more specific conditions, such as sinus infections, treating the root cause is essential.

Treatments may involve:

Managing sinus infections or other ENT-related issues
Reviewing medications that may be contributing to dizziness
Prescribing vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) for those with balance disorders
Providing advice on lifestyle adjustments to prevent dizziness

For some patients, dizziness treatment may involve referral to a specialist to address cardiovascular or neurological causes.

Treatments for Vertigo

Vertigo, particularly if persistent or severe, often requires more specialised treatments. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment options can include:

Epley manoeuvre: A physical therapy technique used to reposition the tiny crystals in the inner ear that cause BPPV.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: Exercises designed to help retrain the brain to manage balance.
Medication: Anti-nausea medication may be prescribed to alleviate vertigo symptoms. In cases of Meniere’s disease, diuretics or other medications may be recommended.
Surgery: In rare cases, when vertigo is linked to serious inner ear issues or tumours, surgery may be necessary.

When to Seek Help

If dizziness or vertigo is interfering with your daily life, it’s important to seek professional guidance. While occasional dizziness may not be a cause for concern, frequent episodes, particularly when accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or severe imbalance, should be evaluated by a medical professional. Vertigo, in particular, can increase the risk of falls, so timely treatment is essential.