Many people use the terms dizziness and vertigo interchangeably, but they describe different sensations. Dizziness is a general feeling of being unsteady, lightheaded, or off-balance. Vertigo, on the other hand, is a specific type of dizziness characterized by the false sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving. Understanding the distinction is the first step toward finding the right support.
What Symptoms Define Vertigo?
The primary symptom of vertigo is the distinct feeling of motion when none is occurring. This sensation can be mild and barely noticeable or so severe that it affects your balance and ability to perform daily tasks. While dizziness is a broad term for feelings of unsteadiness, vertigo involves a clear perception of spinning or rotational movement.
This sensation is often accompanied by other symptoms, which can help differentiate it from general dizziness. These related symptoms may include:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The intense spinning sensation can disrupt your sense of equilibrium and trigger feelings of sickness.
- Abnormal Eye Movements (Nystagmus): You might experience jerky or uncontrolled eye movements as your brain tries to make sense of conflicting signals from your inner ear and eyes.
- Balance Problems: Difficulty standing or walking is common, as the false sense of movement can make it hard to maintain your stability.
- Sweating: An episode of vertigo can trigger a physical stress response, leading to sweating.
Recognizing these specific indicators can help you communicate your experience more clearly to a healthcare provider. The duration of these symptoms may vary, lasting from a few seconds to several hours or even days, depending on the underlying cause.
Which Diagnostic Tests Provide Clarity?
To determine the cause of your symptoms, a healthcare professional may recommend specific diagnostic tests. These evaluations help pinpoint whether the issue originates in the inner ear or another part of the body. A physical examination is often the first step, where a specialist will check your balance, gait, and eye movements.
Further testing might involve a videonystagmography (VNG) test, which records eye movements to assess inner ear function. Another common procedure is the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, a series of movements designed to trigger a vertigo episode to observe your response. In some cases, hearing tests or imaging studies, such as an MRI, may be used to obtain a more comprehensive picture of what is causing the symptoms. These tests provide valuable information that guides the next steps.
What Conditions Commonly Cause Vertigo?
Several conditions are known to cause vertigo. Many of these issues originate within the vestibular system, which comprises the inner ear and brain parts that process sensory information involved in controlling balance and eye movements. A professional can help identify which one might be affecting you.
Some common causes include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is one of the most frequent causes. It happens when tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear become dislodged and move into the wrong canal, sending false signals to your brain.
- Meniere’s Disease: This inner ear disorder can cause spontaneous episodes of vertigo along with hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition involves inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain, usually due to an infection. It may cause intense, constant vertigo.
These are just a few of the potential causes. Other issues, such as head or neck injuries and certain medications, can also lead to episodes of vertigo. A thorough evaluation helps identify the specific source of the problem.
Consult a Specialist
Distinguishing between general dizziness and true vertigo is key to understanding your symptoms. Dizziness may feel unsettling, but the spinning sensation of vertigo may be much more disruptive to daily life. Both can indicate an underlying issue that requires attention. If your symptoms persist or are severe, consulting a healthcare professional is necessary. They can assess your condition and guide you toward the most suitable management options.
