If you’ve experienced a spinning sensation or a feeling of lightheadedness, you know how unsettling it can be. But was it vertigo or dizziness? Though often used interchangeably, vertigo and dizziness are distinct experiences with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding these differences can help you figure out what’s going on and how to seek the right care.

Explore the causes, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment options for vertigo and dizziness to bring clarity and help you take control of your health.

What Causes Vertigo and Dizziness?

The root causes of vertigo and dizziness are different. Knowing these causes is the first step in identifying which condition you may be experiencing.

Common Causes of Dizziness

Dizziness is often described as a general sensation of being off-balance, lightheaded, or faint. It is not a specific condition but rather a symptom of various underlying issues. Here are some common causes:

• Circulatory Problems: Insufficient blood flow to the brain due to low blood pressure or general circulation issues may lead to feelings of dizziness.

• Low Blood Sugar: Skipping meals or managing diabetes can cause drops in blood sugar, resulting in dizziness.

• Medications: Certain prescriptions, including blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and sedatives, may have dizziness as a side effect.

• Dehydration or overheating can also leave you feeling lightheaded.

Common Causes of Vertigo

Vertigo, on the other hand, is more specific and typically involves the sensation that your surroundings are spinning. This sensation is often linked to inner ear disturbances, as the ear is responsible for balance. Causes include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This occurs when tiny calcium crystals within the inner ear become dislodged and disrupt balance.

• Meniere’s Disease: An uncommon condition where inner ear fluid builds up, leading to vertigo episodes, hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and a sense of fullness.

• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Viral infections causing inflammation in the nerves or organs in the inner ear can result in vertigo.

While vertigo is often caused by ear-related issues, dizziness may stem from a broader range of health concerns.

Symptoms of Vertigo vs. Dizziness

Understanding the symptoms can help you distinguish between vertigo and general dizziness.

Symptoms of Dizziness

• Feeling faint or woozy

• Lightheadedness

• Loss of balance

• Blurry vision or momentary fainting

Symptoms of Vertigo

• An intense spinning sensation (as though you or your surroundings are moving)

• Nausea or vomiting

• Loss of balance or difficulty walking

• Tinnitus or temporary hearing loss in some cases

The hallmark difference is that vertigo often involves a spinning or rotational feeling, whereas dizziness might feel more like lightheadedness.

Diagnosing Vertigo vs. Dizziness

Proper diagnosis requires a healthcare provider to evaluate your specific symptoms, how often they occur, and any associated conditions.

Medical Evaluation

• For dizziness, your doctor might examine your blood pressure, review your medications, or suggest blood tests to evaluate underlying conditions like anemia or low blood sugar.

• Diagnosing vertigo often involves an examination of your ears and balance system.

Common Diagnostic Tests Include:

• Electronystagmography (ENG) or videonystagmography (VNG) to assess inner ear function.

• MRI or CT Scans for central vertigo concerns arising from the brain.

Accurate diagnosis helps in creating an effective treatment plan suited to your symptoms.

Treatment Options

Relief is possible with appropriate treatment, but the approach varies based on the condition.

How to Treat Dizziness

• Address underlying causes, like dehydration or hypoglycemia, by making dietary or lifestyle adjustments.

• If medications are the culprit, consult your doctor about adjustments.

• Persistent dizziness caused by circulatory or neurological issues may require targeted medical interventions.

How to Treat Vertigo?

• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers like the Epley Maneuver are effective for managing BPPV by moving inner ear crystals back into place.

• Meniere’s Disease may respond well to vestibular rehabilitation therapy, dietary changes (low salt), or hearing aids for managing hearing loss.

• For vertigo caused by infections like labyrinthitis, antibiotics or antiviral medications might be prescribed.

Your primary care doctor or an audiologist (ear specialist) can direct you to the best treatment options.

When to Seek Medical Help

Vertigo and dizziness can disrupt daily life, but certain symptoms signal a need for immediate medical attention. Seek help right away if:

• Dizziness or vertigo occurs suddenly, intensely, or frequently.

• Symptoms like double vision, confusion, slurred speech, or severe headache accompany dizziness or vertigo.

• You experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting.

Prompt evaluation can help rule out serious conditions and guide effective treatment.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Living with dizziness or vertigo can be frustrating and even life-altering but understanding the distinction between the two is a critical step toward finding relief. At Colorado Springs Ear Associates, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating these balance disorders to help restore your quality of life.

Contact us today at 719-667-1327 to schedule an appointment. Don’t wait—take control of your health and find your balance again.