Feeling off-balance is a common reason for adults aged 65 and older to visit the doctor, as balance issues can be a major safety hazard. Dizziness and vertigo are often confused with each other, but they are not the same. It’s important to know the difference, because dizziness and vertigo can indicate different underlying issues. Let’s discuss their differences and when to see a balance specialist.
What Is Dizziness?
Dizziness is a rather broad term, encompassing feelings of lightheadedness, faintness, weakness and unsteadiness on your feet. In most cases, the dizzy spell is brief and goes away once you sit down or lie down.
Many factors can cause dizziness, from dehydration or standing up too quickly to cardiovascular disease or low blood pressure. This is why it’s important to pay attention to your dizzy spells; they may indicate that something is off.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is characterized by a false sense of movement: you feel like your body or the world around you is spinning when you’re standing still.
Vertigo is caused by dysfunction in the inner ear, which is the main organ in your balance system. When the inner ear sends jumbled or incorrect signals to the brain about your balance or body placement, your brain will misinterpret those signals as movement, even if nothing is moving.
Inner ear infections, balance disorders, migraines and head injuries are all common causes of vertigo. These conditions all directly impact the inner ear in some way: infections cause inflammation in the inner ear and balance disorders affect the organs of the vestibular system, for example. Migraines and head injuries can also cause trauma to the inner ear.
What Are the Differences?
As mentioned above, vertigo and dizziness are not the same; however, vertigo is a specific type of dizziness (much like how a square is a specific type of rectangle). Dizziness affects approximately 15–20% of the population, and vertigo affects approximately 5%.
If you’re feeling off-balance, you can determine whether it’s vertigo or general dizziness based on the sensations you feel. If it’s more cerebral, such as wooziness or lightheadedness, it’s likely dizziness. If it’s more physical, such as spinning or rocking, it’s likely vertigo. Additionally, vertigo can sometimes be accompanied by nausea or even vomiting.
When Should I See a Balance Specialist?
As we age, dizziness and vertigo become more common, but they also become more dangerous. Fall risk increases when you can’t maintain your balance. If your dizzy spells are frequent or if you’re experiencing severe vertigo, it’s time to see a balance specialist to determine the underlying cause. Treating the underlying cause will keep you steady on your feet. Call Albany ENT & Allergy Services today to schedule an appointment for a balance test.