Dizziness and vertigo are often thought to be the same thing, even though they are actually two different sensations. How to differentiate them? Check it out in the following article.

What Is Dizziness?

Dizziness is a general term used to describe feeling lightheaded, unsteady, weak, or as if you might faint. When you feel dizzy, it can seem like you are about to lose your balance and fall, which makes it harder to move around safely.

Repeated episodes of dizziness can affect your quality of life. This symptom can have many possible causes, including:

• Motion sickness

• Side effects of certain medicines

• Poor air circulation

• Drinking alcohol

• Head injury

• Anemia caused by iron deficiency

• Low blood sugar

• Low blood pressure

• Carbon monoxide poisoning

• Dehydration

• Extreme heat or exhaustion

• Anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions

Because dizziness can increase the risk of falls and injury, you should see a doctor if it happens often so the cause can be identified and managed properly.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness where you feel a spinning sensation. You may feel as if you are moving or the room around you is rotating, even though everything is actually still. This spinning feeling can be caused by several conditions, such as:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

• Inner ear disorders

• Migraine headaches

• Recurrent ear infections

• Side effects of certain medicines

• Head injury

• Orthostatic hypotension, which is low blood pressure that appears when you stand up too fast from lying down, and other conditions

Fundamental Differences Between Vertigo and Dizziness

The main distinction between dizziness and vertigo lies in the way the sensation feels. Dizziness usually refers to feeling off balance or unsteady, walking as if you are staggering, and feeling like you might fall.

In vertigo, the sensation refers more to spinning. You may sense that you are spinning, or that your surroundings are rotating around you. Because vertigo affects the balance system, it often comes with nausea and sometimes vomiting.

How Are Dizziness and Vertigo Managed?

Dizziness and vertigo are symptoms, not diseases, so the treatment depends on what is causing them. If you suddenly feel dizzy, it can help to sit or lie down and avoid moving until the sensation subsides. Some medicines may be prescribed to relieve dizziness or vertigo, depending on the diagnosis. Consult a doctor so the underlying problem can be found and an appropriate treatment plan arranged.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!