Vertigo versus Dizziness: What’s the Difference?
Are you feeling lightheaded or does the room seem to be spinning? Vertigo and dizziness are sometimes used interchangeably, but if you are truly suffering from one or the other, it’s important to differentiate between the two to better understand the underlying causes.
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Dizziness is a broad term that can describe a range of sensations such as feeling lightheaded, off-balance or woozy:
Types of Dizziness:
1
Lightheadedness: Feeling like you might pass out. This can be linked to changes in blood pressure or dehydration.
2
Vertigo: Feeling as though the room is spinning or moving. This is typically related to issues in the inner ear.
3
Disequilibrium: Feeling unsteady or having a loss of balance which can be related to sensory conditions.
4
Presyncope: Feeling like you might faint, which could be associated with a drop in blood pressure or blood sugar levels.
While all types of dizziness are important to pay attention to, treatments can differ depending on the root cause. Understanding the differences can help you to choose a more suitable therapeutic approach and aid your recovery journey.
Common Causes of Vertigo
1
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
◦ Small calcium particles clump up in the semicircular canals of the inner ear.
◦ Triggers sensations of spinning with certain head movements.
2
Vestibular Neuritis/Labyrinthitis:
◦ Inflammation of the inner ear or vestibular nerve.
◦ Usually linked to an infection that causes vertigo accompanied by a sudden hearing loss.
3
Ménière’s Disease:
◦ An inner ear disorder that affects balance and hearing.
◦ Often results in episodes of vertigo, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss.
4
Head Injuries:
◦ Can result in damage to the structures of the inner ear or central nervous system, causing imbalance.
5
Migraines:
◦ Vestibular migraines can induce vertigo episodes without a headache.
Common Causes of Dizziness
1
Inner Ear Problems: Positional vertigo or vestibular disorders can affect the inner ear, leading to a sensation of movement or imbalance.
2
Blood Pressure Issues: Both high and low blood pressure can impact blood flow to your brain, causing you to feel off balance.
3
Blood Sugar Levels: Fluctuating blood sugar can lead to dizzy spells.
4
Vestibular Migraines: These are headaches accompanied by dizziness. They don’t always cause a severe headache.
5
Medications: Some medications list dizziness as a side effect, particularly those that affect blood pressure or the vestibular system.
6
Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can lead to dizziness due to a decrease in blood volume.
While some issues associated with dizziness can be quickly addressed, it’s always important to consult your healthcare provider if you are concerned, especially if the feeling doesn’t seem to go away.
Symptoms of Vertigo
Better understanding the symptoms associated with vertigo can allow you to manage the condition effectively and seek treatment for recovery.Common symptoms of vertigo include:
1
A sensation of spinning or moving when you’re actually still.
2
Loss of balance, making it difficult to stand or walk without support.
3
Nausea or vomiting due to the perception of constant motion.
4
Dizziness, which is often confused with vertigo but is a broader sense of lightheadedness.
5
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss, particularly in cases of Meniere’s disease.
6
Headaches or migraines can often accompany vertigo episodes.
Along with changes to lifestyle – such as adequate rest and hydration – pinpointing your symptoms, and getting a medical screening if symptoms are severe, can allow you to take the next steps for your recovery journey.
Depending on the results, physical therapy can play a critical role in your recovery, especially if symptoms are related to conditions such as vertigo. Our physical therapists can help with pain management, improve mobility and help with fall prevention in the case of balance issues. If you think physical therapy could help support your journey to recovery, schedule an appointment today.
本篇文章来源于微信公众号: 上海优复康复医学门诊部
