Difference Between Vertigo and Dizziness?

Vertigo vs Dizziness: Understanding Key Differences and Causes

Though people often use these two words interchangeably, dizziness and vertigo describe distinct sensations. Dizziness refers to feeling off-balance or lightheadedness, while vertigo involves a spinning sensation. These symptoms can develop due to different causes, making proper identification crucial.

What is the Primary Difference Between Vertigo and Dizziness?

Dizziness generally describes a feeling of unsteadiness or imbalance. While experiencing dizziness, you will face difficulty moving around. You might feel like you are about to fall or find it hard to walk straight. 

On the other hand, many individuals experiencing vertigo also mention feeling dizzy. Vertigo is a more specific sensation. People with vertigo experience an illusion that they or their surroundings are spinning, tilting or whirling. This feeling can affect balance and coordination. Vertigo may also bring additional symptoms, such as vomiting and nausea. Although related, dizziness and vertigo are distinct experiences with overlapping symptoms and causes.

Causes of Dizziness

Potential dizziness causes can be:

●  Migraine 
●  Anxiety and stress (mental health issues)
●  Cardiovascular disorders, like changes in your blood pressure
●  Concussion
●  Inner ear disorders
●  Anemia
●  Specific medications
●  Motion sickness
●  Dehydration
●  Decreased blood sugar level

Causes of Vertigo

Possible vertigo causes are described here:

●  Head injuries
●  Stroke
●  Migraine headaches
●  Diabetes
●  Arrhythmia
●  Low blood pressure level
●  Specific medications

How to Prevent Vertigo and Dizziness?

If you have been suffering from vertigo or feeling dizzy for a prolonged time, one of the best things you can do is to take care of yourself. Here are a few things you can follow to prevent vertigo and dizziness:

 
● Staying Active

Leading an active lifestyle and regular movement improves balance and circulation. It also enhances inner ear function, reducing the risk of vertigo and dizziness episodes.

● Yoga

Yoga not only helps you regain balance, coordination, and movement but also improves focus. In addition, it helps the brain adapt and respond more effectively to sensations.

● Balanced Diet

Studies have shown that patients who eat well, take a balanced diet, and consume vitamin D supplements can experience reduced vertigo attacks.

● Staying Hydrated

A body with a sufficient water level supports healthy blood pressure and inner ear function, which are necessary to prevent dizziness and reduce vertigo symptoms.

●  Managing Stress

A stressful lifestyle can lead to increased suffering. Therefore, it is advisable to practice relaxation techniques, such as listening to music, meditation, or deep breathing. These help calm the nervous system and reduce symptoms.

●  Adequate Amount of Sleep

Lack of sleep can trigger the causes of vertigo, especially balance issues and migraines. If it is your first episode, rest properly or take short naps to ease symptoms. Moreover, prioritise better sleep habits.

When to Visit a Doctor for Vertigo and Dizziness?

It is usually a good idea to seek help of a healthcare professional if someone is experiencing:

• When the feelings of dizziness and vertigo linger or keep returning
• Remarkably influences your daily life.
• It can occur with other symptoms, including migraines, fatigue or tingling sensations, double vision or blurry vision, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and fainting.

What Can You Expect During a Doctor’s Visit for Vertigo and Dizziness?

To detect the root causes of your symptoms, your healthcare provider will first ask you about your medical history, current health situations, and medications. Then, they perform a physical examination.

Depending on the symptoms and medical records, the doctor recommends particular tests, which could include—but are not limited to—the following:

●  Blood tests
●  Balance tests
●  Imaging tests, including CT or MRI scans

The doctor will develop a treatment plan to target the root causes of the visible symptoms. Often, managing the underlying issue effectively offers relief from dizziness or vertigo.

Treating dizziness and vertigo are two distinct health conditions, though they often offer similar feelings with a significant difference. When dizziness develops due to various factors, vertigo usually occurs due to problems in the inner ear or the central nervous system. Seek professional help to treat dizziness and vertigo if you experience frequent episodes or if they interfere with your daily activities.

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