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Dizziness vs. vertigo: Why they’re different and why it matters
Dizziness and vertigo have some similar — and worrisome — symptoms. But they are not the same thing. Understanding the basic differences can help keep you safe.
Each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries. And the likelihood of falling is higher for people who are experiencing dizziness or vertigo, both of which become more common with age. But they are two separate conditions, even though people often think of them as the same. Understanding vertigo and dizziness will help lower your chance of a serious fall.
What is dizziness?
Dizziness is a broad term. It describes the feeling of being unsteady or having a lack of balance while on your feet. You can feel dizzy if you are feeling lightheaded or if things seem foggy.
“Dizziness may be described by patients as feeling faint, like they’re going to pass out. Their vision may be bobbing up and down,” says Neil Bhattacharyya, MD. He’s a board-certified otolaryngologist at Mass Eye and Ear and a professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Harvard Medical School in Boston. “The floor may feel wobbly underneath them. They may show signs of clumsiness.”
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What is vertigo?
The National Library of Medicine defines vertigo as “a sensation of motion or spinning that is often described as dizziness.” It has many possible causes, including migraines, some medications, diabetes, head injuries, and more.
Dr. Bhattacharyya says vertigo is a subtype of dizziness. With vertigo, a patient feels like the room is spinning in a circle around them. Or they feel like they’re spinning when they’re actually standing still.
They sound pretty similar. What makes them different?
According to Dr. Bhattacharyya, the biggest difference between dizziness and vertigo is that a patient can have dizziness without vertigo, but not the other way around.
Vertigo and dizziness tend to have different causes
“Dizziness is generally a more neurological cause or a potential cardiac cause. For example, it could be a blood flow issue or stenosis (narrowing) of the carotid artery,” says Dr. Bhattacharyya.
Additional causes of dizziness include:
- A drop in blood pressure
- Poor blood circulation
- Heart disease
- Low blood sugar
- Dehydration
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
There are two types of vertigo — peripheral and central — and each has a different cause.
- Peripheral vertigo is caused by a problem in the part of the inner ear that controls balance. (This is the nerve between the inner ear and the brain stem.)
- Central vertigo is less common and is caused by a problem in the brain. It might be in the brain stem. It could also be in the back part of the brain, called the cerebellum.
Vertigo can be accompanied by hearing loss because it often affects the nerves that help with hearing. It can also be a sign of an inner ear infection, or problems with blood supply to the inner ear. In some cases, vertigo may be a symptom of a stroke.
And anything that causes vertigo is also a cause of dizziness. Some additional causes of vertigo include:
- Migraines
- Diabetes
- Shingles
- Head injuries
Which one is more common?
Both are quite common. But dizziness is more common in older people. In fact, the Mayo Clinic reports that approximately one-third of Americans will experience dizziness or vertigo at least once in their life.
Is treatment for vertigo the same as treatment for dizziness?
No. In fact, you might not even see the same doctor for these two problems.
Dr. Bhattacharyya notes that while the first step toward treatment would be to see your primary care doctor, from there you may be sent to different specialists, depending on your symptoms. For example, dizziness may need to be treated by a neurologist or cardiologist, while vertigo is likely to be treated by an otolaryngologist (ENT).
You can also discuss any recent symptoms during your in-home health and wellness exam. (Read “5 things a free in-home visit can do for you” to learn more. Ready to schedule your no-cost in-home visit? Call 877-302-3672877-302-3672 or schedule online.)
What if you have symptoms of either or both?
If you are struggling with symptoms of dizziness or vertigo, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
“The problem is that many times these symptoms are episodic. But a general rule is that if you have repeated episodes for five to seven days, you should see a doctor,” says Dr. Bhattacharyya.
Your doctor can help you get to the bottom of the symptoms and find relief.
Sources:
Facts about falls: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Vertigo overview: Cleveland Clinic
Dizziness overview: Mayo Clinic
Vertigo-associated disorders: National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus
