Dizziness vs Vertigo: What is the Difference?

Posted on January 30, 2020 Dizziness

According to statistics from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, dizziness and vertigo affect 15% to 20% of adults each year. Dizziness and vertigo are terms that are often used either together or interchangeably. But, is there a difference in dizziness vs vertigo? 

Dizziness

Dizziness is used to describe certain sensations relating to motion and balance. Dizziness is a broad and inexact term because it might have different meanings for different people. It can also be difficult to put certain sensations into words and dizziness is an easy umbrella term to use for multiple feelings. Types of dizziness include light-headedness, faintness, or unsteadiness. Vertigo can also be called a type of dizziness even though it is a more specific sensation, described below.

All types of dizziness, including vertigo, can be incapacitating and interfere with daily life and make everyday activities either impossible or dangerous.

Vertigo

One of the ways that you can tell the difference between dizziness vs vertigo is noting that vertigo means something more specific. Vertigo is the false sensation of movement. Some describe it as feeling as if you are spinning around while the world around you. On the other hand, it may feel as if you are standing still and the world is spinning around you. Many people will describe the sensations of vertigo as dizziness because it does fall under that umbrella of sensations. However, it is the only type of dizziness that causes the spinning or whirling sensation.

Vertigo is often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, loss of balance, or trouble walking. Another possible symptom experienced during an episode of vertigo is nystagmus, which the American Optometric Association describes as a condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements. Vertigo and related symptoms are disabling and interrupt regular life.

Causes

The causes of dizziness vs vertigo vary, but underlying conditions are rarely life-threatening.

• Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The most common cause of vertigo is BPPV, which is triggered by a rapid change in head position or movement. Quick movements that trigger episodes of vertigo include sitting up, turning around, or turning over in bed. 
• Meniere’s Disease: Meniere’s disease is a condition in which fluid builds up in the inner ear. Individuals with Meniere’s disease experience sudden episodes of vertigo that may last several hours. Other symptoms of Meniere’s disease include ringing in the ear, fluctuating hearing loss, or feeling like the ear is plugged.
• Vestibular Neuritis: Vestibular neuritis occurs when a viral infection (flu, measles, chickenpox, shingles, mumps, rubella, mono)  spreads to the vestibular nerve in the inner ear. When the nerve is inflamed, it causes vertigo as well as nausea, vomiting, balance issues, and difficulty concentrating.
• Labyrinthitis: Labyrinthitis is also the result of an infection in the inner ear, but it affects the cochlear nerve as well as the vestibular nerve. The cochlear nerve is responsible for communicating with the brain about hearing, so in addition to the symptoms of vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis causes difficulty hearing and ringing in the ears.
• Migraine: Vertigo is sometimes a symptom of migraine headaches. Vertigo episodes associated with migraines may last minutes or even hours. Vertigo may be accompanied by a headache and light and noise sensitivity. Sometimes migraine-related vertigo occurs without a headache.
• Other Causes of Dizziness: Dizziness may be caused by other factors unrelated to a chronic condition or infection. These causes include:
  • A drop in blood pressure when standing or sitting up too quickly
  • Overheating
  • Dehydration
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Medication side effects
  • Low iron levels
  • Low blood sugar

Diagnosis & Treatment

If you are experiencing episodes of dizziness or vertigo, your doctor will get more information about your symptoms and give you a physical exam in which your balance and other functions are checked. They may perform a few different tests to find the root cause and determine if the sensations you have qualify as dizziness vs vertigo.

One test used to diagnose the cause of balance disorders is called a videonystagmography (VNG) balance test. VNG tests the inner ear and motor function to find the cause of dizziness or vertigo.

Sometimes vertigo resolves itself without treatment. However, treatments are available to manage symptoms and/or treat underlying conditions. Treatments include:

• Diuretics
• Dizziness medication
• Nausea medication
• Anti-anxiety medication
• Medication to prevent migraine
• Balance therapy
• Head position maneuver therapy

At Regional Neurological Associates, we know how disabling dizziness and vertigo can be. We are pleased to offer VNG at our office to help with diagnosing vertigo and dizziness. Our physicians are experienced in the evaluation and management of conditions causing dizziness or vertigo. Call us at (718) 515-4347 to schedule an appointment today.

Vertigo & Dizziness | Parkinson’s Foundation

Dizziness and vertigo are commonly reported symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dizziness is a term used to describe a range of sensations, such as feeling faint, woozy, weak or unsteady. Dizziness that creates the false sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving is called vertigo. All types of dizziness can lead to balance problems.

In general, both symptoms are less notable in people in the early stages of Parkinson’s. It is more common for older people with Parkinson’s to experience dizziness or vertigo. When tested, many people with PD experience vestibular dysfunction (balance issues related to the inner ear) even without having symptoms of vertigo or dizziness.

While these non-movement symptoms are common, they are often overlooked. To optimize your treatment, know how to identify vertigo and dizziness, so you can address the issue with your care team.

Orthostatic Hypotension (OH)

This is the most commonly overlooked cause of dizziness in people with Parkinson’s. OH is a persistent drop in blood pressure that occurs upon moving from sitting to standing or from lying down to sitting up or standing. OH can result in the temporary loss of consciousness.

When orthostatic hypotension is related to a neurologic disorder like Parkinson’s, it’s called neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH). It is important to know that not only can PD cause OH, but many of the treatments for motor symptoms of PD can worsen OH.

Medication-induced Dizziness or Vertigo

Other common drugs associated with dizziness include anticonvulsants, antihypertensives, antibiotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs.

With the help of your doctor, this medication-related issue can be treated by weaning the dosage and slowly discontinuing the drug or drugs causing the side effect.

Deep Brain Stimulation

A surgical procedure for PD, deep brain simulation (DBS) can be associated with dizziness or vertigo. Either symptom can emerge soon after surgery. A health professional can determine if the dizziness is caused by the device by simply powering it on and off. Once the device is turned off, your care partner or medical team should observe you to confirm if the dizziness or vertigo resolves.

If it does resolve, your healthcare team may reprogram the device and possibly check the location of the electrodes (usually by brain imaging). When turning the device on and off is not enough, an evaluation by an ENT specialist may be necessary.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

This is a sudden onset of vertigo, lasting only a few seconds, typically after a sudden head movement such as turning in bed. Research reveals BPPV may occur in 11% of people with Parkinson’s who experience dizziness and becomes more common with age. It can be diagnosed using an in-office assessment called the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. Your doctor, or a physical therapist who is an expert in vestibular rehabilitation can offer treatment options or teach you the Semont maneuvers, a series of simple movements to self-administer at home.

Transient Ischemic Attack or Stroke

Sudden onset of dizziness, usually in the presence of other sudden onset neurological symptoms, could possibly be a transient ischemic attack “TIA” (a brief stroke-like attack) or stroke. If a stroke is suspected, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately and undergo appropriate imaging and potentially stroke-related therapies.

Other Causes

Dizziness and vertigo are not unique to Parkinson’s and can have many other causes. Symptoms can be caused by low blood pressure for reasons other than OH, anxiety, cold, flu, dehydration, heart conditions, migraine, and more. Tell your doctor if you regularly experience dizziness or vertigo.

Page reviewed by Dr. Addie Patterson, Movement Disorders Neurologist at the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence.

Why dizziness occurs: main causes and symptoms

Contents

• 1 Why dizziness occurs: causes, symptoms, treatment
  • 1. 1 Why does dizziness occur?
  • 1.2 The main causes of dizziness
  • 1.3 Symptoms of dizziness: what you need to know
  • 1.4 What diseases can cause dizziness?
    • 1.4.1 Vascular diseases
    • 1.4.2 Balance disorders
    • 1.4.3 Other diseases
  • 1.5 Unpleasant effects of dizziness
  • 1.6 What to do with dizziness: doctor’s advice
  • 1.7 Simple exercises for dizziness
  • 1.8 Lack of vitamins and minerals as a cause of dizziness
  • 1.9 Medicines for dizziness: a list of essential medicines
  • 1.10 How to prevent dizziness: advice from doctors
    • 1.10.1 Here are some recommendations from doctors:
  • 1.11 When should you seek medical help for dizziness?
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 What is dizziness?
      • 1.13.0.2 What diseases can cause dizziness?
      • 1.13.0.3 How do you know if dizziness is due to hearing loss?
      • 1. 13.0.4 Can dizziness be related to food?
      • 1.13.0.5 What should I do if I feel dizzy?
      • 1.13.0.6 What additional symptoms may accompany dizziness?

Dizziness can be a symptom of a variety of medical conditions and can also be caused by changes in posture, rapid head movement, or lack of sleep. Find out what causes dizziness and how you can counteract it.

Dizziness is a condition that is described as the rotation of the surrounding world or one’s own body. It can occur for various reasons and lead to a feeling of unsteadiness and loss of balance. This phenomenon can be temporary or permanent, and some people experience it more often than others.

Vertigo can be caused by a variety of causes, from lack of sleep, stress, hunger or high physical activity to serious medical conditions. Symptoms may also vary, including severe dizziness, loss of balance, and a feeling of weakness.

In this article, we’ll look at the main causes of dizziness and how to recognize them, as well as what you can do to prevent or manage dizziness if it occurs.

Why does dizziness occur?

Dizziness is a condition when it seems that something is happening to you: you lose your balance, your head starts spinning, your eyes get dark. This can happen for a variety of reasons, from changes in the inner ear to any abnormalities in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Dizziness can also be caused by prolonged standing in an upright position. When we get up abruptly after lying or sitting for a long time, blood can accumulate somewhere below and not have time to quickly rise to the brain, which can cause dizziness.

Dizziness can also result from the use of alcohol or other substances such as drugs.

• • Symptoms of dizziness:
    1. dizziness;
    2. evasion in one direction;
    3. dark spots before eyes;
    4. nausea and vomiting.

In any case, if you feel dizzy, it is important not to panic and take steps to avoid injury and loss of consciousness.

Major Causes of Dizziness

Dizziness can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in the internal and external environment, diseases, balance disorders, and circulatory problems.

Low blood pressure is one of the most common causes of dizziness. At the same time, blood cannot rise to the head due to a weak heart muscle or insufficient blood supply.

Vestibular disorders is another cause of dizziness. They can be associated with imbalance, coordination problems and the vestibular system of the body.

Vestibular neuritis is an ear disorder that can cause sudden and severe dizziness. It is associated with damage to the vestibular nerve.

Stress and anxiety – can cause dizziness, as they can lead to changes in blood circulation, pressure and overstrain of the nervous system.

• • • Low blood pressure
    • Vestibular disorders
    • Vestibular neuritis
    • Stress and anxiety

What you need to know about dizziness symptoms

Dizziness can be one of the most uncomfortable sensations a person can experience. It can be caused by a variety of factors, from lack of sleep to serious medical conditions. When dizziness occurs, it is important to consult a doctor and undergo a diagnosis in order to identify the cause of its occurrence.

If dizziness is caused by lack of sleep or prolonged exposure to the sun, it can often be easily corrected with simple methods such as rest and hydration. However, if you experience dizziness caused by an illness, it is important to immediately consult a doctor and undergo appropriate diagnostics to determine the cause of the symptom.

• • • Symptoms of dizziness may include:
    • Feeling unbalanced
    • Spinning or rotating objects around
    • Weakness and fatigue
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Headache

When dizzy it is important not to panic, but also not to ignore the symptom. Proper diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious consequences.

What diseases can cause dizziness?

Dizziness can be a symptom of various diseases. Most of these diseases are associated with a violation of the level of blood pressure or blood flow in the brain.

Vascular diseases

Atherosclerosis, hypertension, migraine, hypo- and hyperglycemia – all these diseases can cause dizziness and even loss of consciousness. Dizziness can be caused by a fracture of the urolithic artery or the internal carotid artery, which can lead to a stroke.

Balance disorders

Balance disorders or vestibular neuritis can also cause dizziness. Vestibular neuritis causes sudden and severe dizziness, which may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Other diseases

Dizziness can also be caused by diseases of the inner ear and vestibular disorders, as well as neurological diseases and brain tumors. It can also be a side effect of taking certain medications.

If you have dizziness associated with other symptoms or problems with movement or vision, you should see a doctor to assess the condition and determine the exact cause of dizziness.

The unpleasant consequences of dizziness

Dizziness is not only an unpleasant sensation, but also a serious symptom that can cause various troubles in our body.

Constant dizziness may indicate problems with the vestibular apparatus, nervous system, cardiovascular system, so long-term neglect of this symptom can lead to serious consequences.

In addition, dizziness may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, headache, blurred vision and hearing, which may be additional due to which a person may make a fundamentally wrong choice.

If dizziness does not stop for a long time, it is best to see a doctor who can help determine the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.

What to do with dizziness: advice from doctors

If you experience persistent dizziness, be sure to check with your doctor. After establishing the cause of dizziness, drug treatment can become part of complex therapy.

• • • In the event of an acute attack of dizziness , sit on a chair or on the floor, lean forward and lower your head between your knees. You can also lie on your back, and put your legs on a pillow so that the head is lower than the torso.
    • Monitor your blood pressure. Hypotensive patients are advised to consume more fluids, and hypertensive patients should minimize too salty food.
    • Avoid sudden movements. Get out of bed or chair gradually, especially in the morning.
    • Try to do neck exercises regularly. This will strengthen the muscles and relieve discomfort.

We remind you that self-treatment can be dangerous. Determining the cause of dizziness and following the recommendations of doctors is the key to a successful fight against this unpleasant symptom.

Simple exercises for dizziness

Dizziness can be caused by various factors, ranging from severe stress to diseases of the internal organs. However, there are simple exercises that can help eliminate this unpleasant sensation.

• • • Slow head rotation . You just need to slowly turn your head in one direction, then in the other, repeating this cycle several times. This exercise will help improve blood circulation in the portal area and reduce dizziness.
    • Breathing exercises . It is necessary to take a deep breath through the nose, hold the breath for a few seconds, and then slowly exhale through the mouth. This exercise will help reduce stress levels and improve blood circulation.
    • Bridge exercise . Lie on the floor on your back, bend your knees and place your feet on the ground. As you exhale, lift your upper body off the floor while extending your arms to the sides. Hold this pose for a few seconds, then slowly lower your body to the floor.

If the dizziness persists, you should consult a doctor to find out the cause of this symptom. Some diseases may require serious treatment and medical supervision.

Lack of vitamins and minerals as a cause of dizziness

Some cases of dizziness can be associated with a lack of vitamins and minerals in the body. For example, insufficient iron levels can cause severe dizziness. Also, a lack of vitamin B12 can lead to dizziness and frequent feelings of fatigue.

Vitamin C: this vitamin helps improve circulation and reduce the chance of dizziness. It can be obtained from fresh fruits and vegetables such as oranges, lemons, peppers and tomatoes.

Iron: Iron is an essential mineral that helps the blood deliver oxygen to the body’s tissues. Iron deficiency can lead to pale skin, weakness, and dizziness. Good sources of iron are red meat, legumes, spinach, and eggs.

Vitamin B12: A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to many health problems, including dizziness and fatigue. This vitamin can be obtained from meat, fish, dairy products and eggs.

• • • It is important to note that before you start taking any vitamin complexes, you need to consult a doctor to avoid possible side effects.
    • In addition to taking vitamins and minerals, it is important to eat well and lead a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity.

Medicines for dizziness: list of essential medicines

Dizziness is a fairly common condition that can have many causes. To get rid of dizziness and bring your condition back to normal, you can take special medications.

There are many drugs for vertigo that are suitable for different people depending on the cause. Major drug groups include:

• • • Antihistamines – used in cases where dizziness is caused by an allergic reaction.
    • Drugs to improve blood circulation – recommended for vascular pathology, arterial hypertension or acute disorders of cerebral circulation.
    • Medicines for treating disorders of the vestibular apparatus – used for systemic diseases and disorders of the vestibular apparatus.
    • Antispasmodics – prescribed for nervous tension and vascular spasms.

It is important to remember that dizziness should not be self-treated and no medication should be taken without consulting a doctor. It is necessary to consult a specialist who will prescribe the correct treatment and determine the cause of dizziness.

How to prevent dizziness: doctor’s advice

Dizziness can be caused by several things, from weather changes to extreme stress. Although not all causes can be prevented, a number of measures can help reduce the risk of this unpleasant symptom.

Here are some recommendations from doctors:

• • • Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, so drink enough fluids to keep your body hydrated.
    • Do not jump immediately after sitting or lying down. This may cause temporary dizziness. It is necessary to get up sitting slowly and give the body time to adapt.
    • Lead a healthy lifestyle. Obesity, physical inactivity and improper diet may increase the risk of dizziness.
    • Avoid rapid temperature changes. Moving from one temperature to another too quickly can cause dizziness.
    • Monitor pressure. Both high and low pressure can cause dizziness. We advise you to measure it regularly and consult a doctor about treatment.

If you suffer from frequent bouts of dizziness, you need to see a doctor and have a diagnosis to identify possible causes and prescribe treatment.

When should you seek medical attention for dizziness?

Dizziness can be caused by a variety of causes, from imbalances in the ear to serious illnesses such as heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, if dizziness becomes a frequent and intense problem, it is worth seeking medical attention to identify and treat the underlying cause.

If dizziness occurs after a head injury, it may be a sign of a concussion. In this case, you also need to seek medical help.

Finally, if dizziness occurs while taking certain medications, it is necessary to consult a doctor to correct the treatment.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What is dizziness?

Dizziness is a feeling of loss of balance, instability, unsteadiness in walking, swaying of the surrounding world.

What diseases can cause dizziness?

Dizziness can be caused by many diseases: hypotension, stroke, increased intracranial pressure, infections, dysfunction of the vestibular apparatus, etc.

How do you know if dizziness is due to hearing loss?

Dizziness associated with hearing loss may be accompanied by symptoms such as tinnitus or hearing loss. It is recommended to consult an otorhinolaryngologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Can dizziness be related to food?

Yes, some foods can cause dizziness. For example, excessive consumption of alcohol, coffee, chocolate or fast food can lead to dizziness.

What should I do if I feel dizzy?

If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down, close your eyes and try to calm down. If dizziness persists, see your doctor to determine the cause and prescribe treatment.

What additional symptoms may accompany dizziness?

Other symptoms may accompany dizziness, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, tingling of the hands and feet, loss of consciousness. In some cases, dizziness can be a symptom of a serious illness and require urgent medical attention.

Vertigo in March in St. Petersburg

• Home >
• Symptoms >
• Vertigo

• Improving the functioning of the vestibular apparatus
• Accurately diagnose the cause of dizziness
• Doctor’s appointment before and after MRI

Consultation with a neurologist:

• Examination;
• Listen to patient complaints;
• Make a preliminary diagnosis;
• If necessary, will refer you to additional tests that can be done at our center;
• will prescribe an individual course of treatment.

What is dizziness

Vertigo is the imaginary rotation of one’s own body in
space or objects around it with a possible violation
spatial orientation of the body. Dizziness is not
a separate disease, but a symptom and, as a rule, is accompanied by
a number of other signs pointing to the cause or causes of its
occurrence. Adequate treatment of dizziness is possible only
by treating the underlying disease that caused it, and should
carried out strictly under the supervision of a specialist.

Causes of dizziness

Dizziness is divided into systemic and non-systemic. Systemic
associated with functional disorders or diseases of the vestibular
apparatus, non-systemic – with problems from the cardiovascular
and respiratory systems and autonomic disorders.

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The most common causes of dizziness are:

• Ear diseases (inflammation of the middle or inner ear,
  blockage of the auditory artery, otosclerosis, barotrauma, etc.)
• Vestibular neuritis
• Meniere’s disease
• Brain tumor
• Low blood pressure
• Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and its complications
• Migraine
• Traumatic brain or spinal injury
• Injury or injury to the temporal bone
• Diseases of the cerebellum
• Transient cerebrovascular accident (transient
  ischemic attack)
• Acute cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
• All kinds of intoxications, including drugs
  preparations
• Diseases of the nervous system (multiple sclerosis,
  Parkinson, etc.)
• Mental illness
• Hypoglycemia
• Hypothyroidism
• Infectious diseases
• Seasickness

If dizziness occurs suddenly, accompanied by distortion
face, impaired speech, coordination and sensitivity on one
side of the body, urgently seek medical attention.
These symptoms indicate a stroke – a deadly
brain disaster.

At the MART

clinic on Vasilyevsky Island

• Evidence-based medicine
• Experienced professionals
• Follow-up of patients for 6 months
• Diagnostics (MRI,
  Ultrasound, tests, mammography)
• Daily 8:00 – 22:00

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Treatment of dizziness in the MART clinic

Dizziness causes a lot of discomfort, from which
patients want to get rid of it as soon as possible. However, what if
dizzy, only a doctor can determine and only after
identify the cause of this condition.

In the medical center MART, she deals with the diagnosis of vertigo
experienced neurologist. To make a diagnosis, a general
examination of the patient, assessment of the biomechanics of the neck, if necessary
ultrasound of the vessels of the neck, MRI of the brain or cervical region are prescribed
spine.

Direct symptomatic treatment of vertigo
involves the use of special medications for dizziness and
drugs that improve blood circulation.