Dizziness vs. Vertigo: What’s the Difference, and Why It Matters

It might be alarming to feel unstable or dizzy, particularly when everything seems to be spinning around you. Although vertigo and dizziness are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing in medicine. Although both can interfere with your daily routine and balance, knowing the difference enables you to know when to get expert assistance. 

Understanding Dizziness

Dizziness is a general phrase used to describe feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or unbalanced. Anaemia, anxiety, low blood pressure, dehydration, and even adverse drug reactions are some of the causes. Those who experience vertigo frequently define it as a feeling of light-headedness or floating, rather than as though their environment is moving.  
Mild dizziness usually goes away on its own with rest or water. However, as the body's balancing mechanism is located in the inner ear, frequent or chronic dizziness may indicate a problem there. 

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo, on the other hand, is a specific type of dizziness that gives a false sense of movement — as if you or your surroundings are spinning or tilting. This sensation can be unsettling and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or difficulty maintaining balance. 

Vertigo often originates from problems within the inner ear (vestibular system), which controls balance. Common causes include Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, or ear infections. Even small calcium particles dislodging in the inner ear can trigger spinning sensations when you change head positions. 

Why the Difference Matters

While dizziness might be a symptom of something as simple as fatigue, vertigo often points to a specific inner ear or neurological disorder. Knowing the distinction is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. For instance, BPPV-related vertigo can often be treated effectively with specific head and neck maneuvers, while dizziness from low blood sugar needs dietary correction. 

Ignoring symptoms or self-medicating may worsen the problem or delay necessary treatment. Persistent episodes of dizziness or vertigo, especially when accompanied by hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or vision changes, should never be overlooked. 

When to See an ENT Specialist

If you frequently feel dizzy, experience spinning sensations, or find it difficult to maintain balance, it’s time to consult an ENT specialist. Through clinical evaluation, balance tests, and sometimes imaging, the doctor can identify whether the issue lies within your ear, nerves, or brain. 

Conclusion

Dizziness and vertigo may feel similar, but their causes — and treatments — differ significantly. Early evaluation not only brings relief but also helps prevent falls and complications. At Sudhakar ENT Care, Salem, our experts provide precise diagnosis and personalized care for all ear and balance-related conditions.