Have you ever felt like the room is spinning or you’re about to lose your balance? Research into vertigo and dizziness estimates that around 20% of people experience these symptoms, with the numbers rising significantly in the over-55s.
While they’re similar in some respects, dizziness and vertigo aren’t quite the same. At Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, we often see patients who are unsure if they’re experiencing dizziness or vertigo. Let’s clarify things by looking at the differences between dizziness and vertigo so you know what’s happening in your body and when to seek help.
Dizziness is a broad term that describes feeling lightheaded, unsteady, and/or faint. You might feel like you’re going to pass out or that you’re not quite steady on your feet. Some people describe it as feeling off-balance or woozy.
Dizziness has many causes, including the following:
In most cases, dizziness is brief and goes away when you sit or lie down. However, if it keeps happening, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that occurs in around 5% of the population. It’s the sensation that you’re spinning or your surroundings are spinning around you. Unlike general dizziness, vertigo usually points to a problem with the inner ear or part of the brain that helps control balance.
The inner ear contains tiny structures that act as your body’s internal leveling system. These structures send signals to your brain about your position and movement. If something goes wrong with these signals, you might feel like the world is moving even when you’re standing still.
Common causes of vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), inner ear infections like labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease, where fluid builds up in the inner ear. Sometimes, vertigo starts in the brain rather than the inner ear. Neurological causes include conditions like:
In these cases, the brain has trouble processing balance signals correctly, which can lead to spinning sensations, unsteadiness, or confusion. For example, a small stroke in the part of your brain that controls balance can cause sudden, severe vertigo.
The main difference between dizziness and vertigo is the sensation you experience. If you feel like you might faint, wobble, or lose balance but don’t have a feeling of spinning, you’re likely experiencing dizziness. If it seems like the world is spinning or tilting, that’s vertigo.
With dizziness, you might feel sweaty, nauseous, or weak. Vertigo can also cause nausea, but, additionally, you might experience issues like trouble walking straight and rapid eye movements (nystagmus).
It’s also helpful to notice when these feelings happen. Does the problem start when you move your head? Does it come with headaches or hearing changes? These clues can help us figure out what’s going on.
Both dizziness and vertigo can be unsettling, but they’re not always serious. However, you should see a doctor if:
Your primary care provider can treat many problems causing dizziness or vertigo. For example, you might need antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection or medication to regulate your blood pressure. Simple changes like staying hydrated, moving slowly when changing positions, and managing underlying health conditions can also make a big difference.
If your condition stems from a nerve or brain disorder, our board-certified neurologist, Dr. Wogensen, uses a combination of physical exams and imaging scans to get to the root of your symptoms.
Treating neurological causes of dizziness and vertigo depends on the underlying condition. If a stroke is the cause, emergency treatment to address the bleeding problem in your brain is critical. For MS, medications that reduce nerve inflammation can help manage symptoms.
Vestibular migraine may improve with migraine medications and lifestyle changes to avoid triggers. No matter the cause, our neurology team works closely with you to find the right treatment plan, helping you regain balance and improve your quality of life.
Call us for advice on symptoms like vertigo, or book an appointment with Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, by completing the online form.
