Dizziness vs. Vertigo: Understanding the Difference

Feeling lightheaded or off balance is a common experience. But trying to describe exactly how you are feeling can be difficult. Two terms related to these symptoms – dizziness and vertigo – are often used interchangeably. However, they describe very different sensations and can indicate very distinct underlying conditions.

Here, we take a look at the difference between dizziness and vertigo, why it matters, and when to talk to your doctor.

Dizziness

Dizziness describes a range of sensations such as feeling lightheaded or faint, unsteadiness or a sense of imbalance, or a woozy or floating feeling.

Dizziness doesn’t usually make you feel like you are moving – instead, it makes you feel as if you may be about to faint or that your body is swaying slightly.

These ‘dizzy’ symptoms can be caused by many different things, including:

• Anemia
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Certain medications
• Dehydration
• Low blood pressure
• Low blood sugar

Vertigo

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness. It tends to give you a false feeling that you, or everything around you, are spinning or moving, even when you’re completely still.

As well as a spinning sensation, common symptoms of vertigo can include nausea, loss of balance, involuntary eye movements, and difficulty walking.

Usually, vertigo is caused by problems in the inner ear or the vestibular nerve – the nerve which helps control our balance. Other common causes include:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV: This is triggered by changes in head position.
• Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis: These are viral infections affecting the inner ear.
• Meniere’s disease: Characterized by a buildup of fluid in the inner ear.
• Migraine-associated vertigo

Why the distinction matters

Both dizziness and vertigo can interrupt daily life. But they are symptoms of very different issues, and understanding the difference between the two can help doctors to determine the underlying cause and provide the right treatment.

When should I see a doctor?

Seeking help at a specialized balance center is important – specialists will work with you to evaluate symptoms and utilize advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms. They will then design customized treatment plans to help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Always talk to a doctor if you experience:

• A sudden or severe onset of dizziness or vertigo
• Frequent or persistent dizziness or vertigo
• Associated symptoms such as double vision, slurred speech, or weakness
• Dizziness following a head injury
• Difficulty walking or frequent falls.

In some cases, dizziness or vertigo may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a stroke, heart issue, or neurological disorder. Don’t ignore persistent symptoms.

Dizziness versus vertigo

Dizziness and vertigo may feel similar and be hard to differentiate, but they have different causes. Being able to describe your symptoms accurately is important and will help your doctor to make a timely and accurate diagnosis.