Understanding and Treating Vertigo
March 24, 2025
By: Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Categories: Neurology, Rehabilitation, Healthy Living
Do you ever feel like the room is spinning when you lie down or sit up in bed? This sensation could be vertigo, a dizziness that creates a false sense of movement or rotation. Unlike lightheadedness, which may feel like faintness or unsteadiness, vertigo gives the distinct impression that you or your surroundings are in motion while they are still.
While both can leave individuals feeling disoriented or uneasy, their underlying causes, symptoms and durations can vary widely. Understanding these differences is important, not only for effective communication to your physician or therapist but also for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo can be caused by otoconia displacement within the inner ear, which is responsible for balance, or by neurological conditions that affect the body's ability to process balance signals. The most common cause of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which occurs when tiny calcium particles, otoconia, in the inner ear become dislodged, disrupting balance signals to the brain. Other possible causes include vestibular migraines, Meniere’s disease or infections affecting the inner ear.
While vertigo can affect individuals of all ages, it is more common in women and adults over 65. Additionally, those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high cholesterol or a family history of vertigo may be at an increased risk. Studies show it effects about 30 percent of the population.
What Causes Dizziness?
Dizziness is a common symptom that can arise from a variety of causes, often making it a complex condition to diagnose. Similar to vertigo, one of the primary reasons for dizziness is often related to issues with the vestibular system. Other causes of dizziness can be linked to cardiovascular issues, such as low blood pressure or arrhythmias, which can reduce blood flow to the brain. Dehydration, anemia and certain medications can also contribute to feelings of lightheadedness or faintness. Additionally, psychological factors like anxiety and panic attacks can manifest as dizziness.
In some cases, more serious conditions, such as a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), may present with dizziness as a symptom, which requires medical evaluation immediately. Overall, the causes of dizziness are diverse, and understanding the underlying factors is crucial for effective treatment.
The Difference Between Vertigo and Dizziness
Dizziness and vertigo are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct sensations. Dizziness is a broad term that encompasses various feelings of unsteadiness, lightheadedness or disorientation. It can occur due to numerous factors. People experiencing dizziness may feel faint, weak or off-balance, but it doesn’t necessarily involve a specific movement or sensation of spinning.
The duration of dizziness can vary widely, depending on its cause. Dizziness can be transient, lasting only a few seconds, or it can persist for hours or even days, especially if it is linked to underlying conditions such as dehydration, medication side effects or anxiety. In many cases, dizziness may resolve quickly once the triggering factor is addressed, such as sitting down, drinking water or managing stress.
Vertigo, on the other hand, is characterized by the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving. Individuals experiencing vertigo may find it challenging to maintain their balance. In cases of BPPV, episodes are often brief, typically lasting less than a minute and usually triggered by specific head movements. However, vertigo associated with vestibular neuritis or Meniere's disease can last longer, ranging from several minutes to several hours, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea or tinnitus.
| Dizziness | Vertigo | |
| Sensation | Unsteadiness | Whirling |
| Duration | Varies | Often quick |
| Cause | Several causes | Inner-ear disorders |
What To Do If You Are Experiencing Dizziness or Vertigo
If you are experiencing dizziness or vertigo, it is important to speak with your primary care provider. Your doctor can assess your symptoms and, if needed, provide a referral for specialized vestibular rehabilitation therapy. Self-treatment at home is not recommended, as certain movements may worsen symptoms or prolong recovery without professional guidance.
At the Tallahassee Memorial Neurological Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, we have three specialists trained in vestibular rehabilitation, a proven therapy designed to help reduce dizziness and improve balance. If your doctor determines that you could benefit from this therapy, they can refer you to our expert team for evaluation and treatment.
Don’t let vertigo disrupt your daily life. If you're experiencing dizziness or imbalance, talk to your doctor about whether vestibular rehabilitation could help or ask your physician for a referral to the Tallahassee Memorial Neurological Outpatient Rehabilitation Center.
