Vertigo vs Dizziness: How to Tell the Difference and Why It Matters
Balance issues can absolutely disrupt your daily life–but it’s important to remember that not all balance issues are the same, especially regarding their symptoms. Understanding the difference between two of the main symptoms, vertigo vs dizziness, is essential in helping you understand the underlying cause so you can find the right treatment.
While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to distinct symptoms with unique causes and solutions–although whether you’re dealing with dizziness or vertigo, the team at Trilogy Physical Therapy can help!
Keep reading to learn more.
Vertigo and Dizziness: A Quick Overview
Vertigo and dizziness might seem similar, but they are actually very different experiences with different causes and treatment options.
All About Dizziness
Dizziness is a broad term that describes feelings of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or faintness. It’s a common sensation, and everyone has probably experienced it at least once–maybe after standing up too quickly or getting off a roller coaster.
Common Causes of Dizziness
- Low blood sugar or dehydration
- Side effects of medications
- Anxiety or stress-related disorders
All About Vertigo
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that causes a spinning sensation. You might feel as if you’re spinning or the world is spinning around you, even when you’re still. Unlike dizziness, vertigo often indicates a problem with your vestibular system, a body system that controls balance and spatial orientation.
Common Causes of Vertigo
- Inner ear conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) or Meniere’s disease
- Vestibular migraines
- Head trauma or injuries
Looking at the Vestibular System in More Detail
We can’t talk about vertigo vs dizziness without talking about the vestibular system. This system is located in your inner (the peripheral vestibular system) and cerebellum (the central vestibular system). The peripheral vestibular system sends signals to your cerebellum about head movement and body position.
Disruptions in this system can lead to balance issues, including vertigo. For example, BPPV–one of the most common causes of vertigo–occurs when small crystals in the inner shift out of place, interfering with balance signals and causing vertigo symptoms.
In contrast, while dizziness can involve the vestibular system, it’s often related to other factors, such as stress, medications, circulatory issues, or nervous system function.
If you’re experiencing frequent bouts of dizziness or vertigo, schedule an appointment at Trilogy Physical Therapy. We’ll help you get to the bottom of things–just as we did with two recent patients.
How Physical Therapy Helped Two Patients Manage Vertigo and Dizziness
Emily’s Experience with Vertigo
Emily, a 45-year-old teacher, began experiencing episodes of vertigo seemingly out of nowhere. She described the sensation as if the room were spinning whenever she changed positions too quickly, making her daily activities challenging.
Emily had developed BPPV, and she came to visit the team at Trilogy Physical Therapy for treatment. Using vestibular rehabilitation therapy and specialized head maneuvers, we were able to address the inner ear dysfunction causing Emily’s symptoms.
John’s Battle with Chronic Dizziness
John, a 60-year-old retired firefighter, experienced frequent dizziness when standing up. His symptoms were accompanied by mild nausea and occasional lightheadedness. A medical evaluation ruled out serious conditions, and John was referred to our team.
We created a customized treatment program focused on improving circulation and John’s vestibular function. His program included balance exercises, postural adjustments, and techniques to manage lightheadedness. Eventually, his dizziness reduced enough that he was able to return to his hobbies, including hiking and fishing.
Got Vertigo or Dizziness? We Can Help With Both!
We hope this blog helps you understand vertigo vs dizziness a little better. If either one of those symptoms is disrupting your life, Trilogy Physical Therapy can help! Our experienced physical therapists use evidence-based approaches to improve your symptoms and enhance your quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our New York clinic and take the first step toward feeling steady and confident again.
