While similar, one may make you feel lightheaded, while the other can cause a spinning sensation
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. Read on to find out more about the differences between these issues and what you can do to get relief today.
If you’ve ever had a case of the spins, then you’ve probably wondered about vertigo.
The trouble is, there are many variations to your equilibrium feeling wonky—vertigo, dizziness, unsteadiness, off-balance. It can be hard to recognize if you’re just feeling dizzy or if you’re experiencing true vertigo.
What is the difference between vertigo and dizziness?
When it comes to vertigo vs. dizziness, it can be easy to get confused.
Dizziness is an altered sense of spatial orientation, a distortion of where we’re within a space and your balance just feels off. You may feel light-headed, woozy and like you might fall if you don’t sit down.
Vertigo, on the other hand, is truly the sensation of self-movement or the movement of your surroundings—it’s a spinning sensation. The atmosphere around you may feel like it’s moving or spinning when it isn’t. Vertigo can be very debilitating. It happens abruptly and it can bring on other symptoms of imbalance, too.
How do you know if you have vertigo or dizziness?
If you’ve been experiencing balance issues of any kind, you should first and foremost check in with a healthcare provider. It’s important to understand what’s triggering this reaction and/or to see if there’s a pattern.
Do you remember what you were doing at the time when your symptoms came on? Do you have other related symptoms like nausea or head pain? Was it brought on by a change in position?
Sometimes, there are very common reasons for experiencing dizziness and vertigo and they can be easily addressed and managed through therapy and medication. See your primary doctor first, to discuss your problems and symptoms.
Causes of vertigo and dizziness. Your balance system is complex. There can be numerous reasons why something is throwing it off.
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
Tips for preventing vertigo or dizziness. If you’ve been experiencing vertigo or feeling dizzy, in addition to talking to your healthcare provider, one of the best things you can do for your balance system is to take care of yourself. This includes:
• Seeing a healthcare provider annually
In summary: 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.
So, make sure you pay attention to how you’re feeling and note any changes in your balance and if they happen frequently. For preventive measures, the best thing to do is maintain good health.
Sources: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-vertigo-and-dizziness-the-same-thing?; https://www.nationaldizzyandbalancecenter.com/dizziness-vs-vertigo/
