You know you’ve been struggling with dizziness lately – but what kind of dizziness? The terms “vertigo,” “dizziness,” and “unsteadiness” are all often used interchangeably. But the truth is, when it comes to dizziness vs. vertigo, the conditions have several key differences. Identifying your symptoms and determining whether they apply to dizziness or vertigo is a key part of treating your balance issue. Find out more about the differences between these issues and what you can do to get relief today.
Dizziness vs. Vertigo
What Is Dizziness?
While “dizziness” is a broad term often used to describe a variety of balance issues, it’s not necessarily applicable to all balance issues. The Mayo Clinic explains that “dizziness” is a term that may apply to motion and balance sensations including light-headedness, faintness, wooziness, or unsteadiness. While not all dizzy spells point to vertigo, vertigo can fall under the umbrella of general dizziness for diagnostic purposes. Either way, dizziness can be extremely disruptive, interfering with daily life and making everyday activities much more challenging – and sometimes even dangerous.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a much more specific term. While dizziness may make it seem like the world is spinning, vertigo points to a false sense of movement – almost making it feel as if you, yourself, are spinning even when you’re standing still. Medical News Today reports that vertigo is the only kind of dizziness that produces the uncomfortable spinning or whirling sensation. Vertigo is also often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, in addition to a general loss of balance or proclivity toward falling. An episode of vertigo can also cause nystagmus, which the American Optometric Association describes as a condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements. All of these symptoms are particular to vertigo and rarely fall under the umbrella of general dizziness.
Causes of Dizziness and Vertigo
Whether you’re struggling from vertigo or other general dizziness issues, you need relief to get back to living your life. But what causes these conditions? Your doctor may identify a number of causes for your balance issues:
- Normal aging, which can contribute to dizziness
- Certain neurological disorders
- Inner ear-related issues from trauma or heredity
- Certain medication side effects
- Hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause
Treating Dizziness and Vertigo
If you struggle with balance issues, you know just how debilitating they can be. Unpacking your specific symptoms, whether they relate to dizziness or vertigo, is the first step to treating your balance issues. Start by checking in with a dizziness and balance specialist to explain your symptoms. From there, your doctor will be able to determine what could be triggering your balance issues, devising a treatment plan to help you move forward. Sometimes, relief may be as simple as a single visit to a specialist’s office.
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Dizziness vs. vertigo: Understanding the differences between these conditions is key to finding relief. Make sure to outline your symptoms clearly for your doctor as you’re devising a plan for relief. Finally, keep an eye out for symptoms like a whirling sensation, nausea, and vomiting, as these are typically limited to vertigo sufferers.
Are you struggling with dizziness or vertigo? Are you in need of medical advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and ongoing dizziness. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your concussion and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to dizziness management, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.
