What is the Difference Between Dizziness and Vertigo?

The terms “dizziness” and “vertigo” are often used synonymously, but they are actually quite different in both the sensations they produce and how they are caused. Dizziness is used to describe a feeling of being off-balance, causing you to be unsteady on your feet or feel that you’re about to fall. Vertigo, on the other hand, is a feeling that either you or your surroundings are moving or spinning, when in fact they are not. For those who experience vertigo, sensations of spinning, whirling, and tipping are common, and, like dizziness, it affects balance, which is where the confusion may arise.

As with the sensations they produce, the causes of dizziness and vertigo also differ. Dizziness often occurs due to environmental factors or an underlying health condition; some potential causes are:

• Dehydration
• Heat exhaustion
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Anxiety
• Motion sickness
• Head injury
• Certain medications
• Alcohol consumption
• Carbon monoxide poisoning

Vertigo, whilst commonly believed to be a medical condition, is actually a symptom of different problems that can affect the inner ear, vestibular nerve, brain stem, or cerebellum (the part of the brain that controls balance and movement). There are two types of vertigo – the most common, called peripheral vertigo, is due to a problem in the inner ear or the vestibular nerve; the second type is called central vertigo and occurs when there is a problem with the cerebellum. This type of vertigo can be caused by certain medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain tumor, or migraines; other potential causes include:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
• Meniere’s disease
• Vestibular neuritis
• Labyrinthitis
• Head injuries
• Certain types of medications
• Migraines
• Ear surgery
• Perilymphatic fistula, caused when inner ear fluid seeps into the middle ear due to a tear in either of the two membranes between the middle and inner ear
• Shingles in or near the ear (herpes zoster oticus)
• Otosclerosis, a middle ear bone growth that can lead to hearing loss
• Syphilis
• Ataxia, which leads to muscle weakness
• Acoustic neuroma – a benign growth on the vestibulocochlear nerve near the inner ear

Symptoms of vertigo will vary from person to person and will depend on what’s causing it and whether they have peripheral or central vertigo. Common signs and symptoms include:

1. For peripheral vertigo:
• Dizziness
• Feeling like you’re moving or spinning
• Problems focusing the eyes
• Hearing loss in one ear
• Balance problems
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Sweating
• Nausea or vomiting

2. For central vertigo:
• Double vision
• Difficulty swallowing
• Facial paralysis
• Eye movement difficulties
• Slurred speech
• Weak limbs

To get rid of vertigo and dizziness, it’s essential to identify the underlying cause of the symptoms. For vertigo, which often involves a false sense of spinning, treatments generally include medications such as antihistamines, anti-nausea drugs, or vestibular suppressants to help alleviate symptoms. These medications can be prescribed by a healthcare professional and help manage nausea and dizziness associated with vertigo. If vertigo is caused by an inner ear issue, further medical interventions or therapies may be necessary to address the root cause.

For dizziness, which can be caused by factors such as low blood pressure, dehydration, or anxiety, treatment depends on the root cause. If dizziness is related to dehydration, increasing fluid intake and restoring electrolytes can help. In cases where dizziness is caused by low blood pressure, increasing salt intake and wearing compression stockings might help improve circulation. If dizziness is persistent, physical therapy and exercises to improve balance may be recommended.

If you experience persistent vertigo or dizziness, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. Physicians Now Urgent Care in Rockville, MD, led by Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, offers expert evaluation and treatment for both vertigo and dizziness. Dr. Olisemeka will work with you to identify the cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan to help alleviate discomfort and improve your quality of life.

Physicians Now Urgent Care in Rockville, MD, can treat vertigo and dizziness, providing prompt evaluation and relief for these conditions. If you’re experiencing sudden dizziness or vertigo, our clinic offers immediate care to help manage your symptoms. Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, and his team can conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of your dizziness or vertigo. Whether it’s due to dehydration, inner ear issues, or other common causes, we provide the appropriate treatment to help alleviate discomfort.

Our urgent care center is equipped to perform basic diagnostic tests to rule out more serious conditions and offer medications to relieve symptoms, such as nausea or unsteadiness. If further evaluation or specialized care is needed, our team will guide you on the next steps and refer you to the appropriate specialist.

At Physicians Now Urgent Care, we understand the impact that dizziness and vertigo can have on your daily life. Dr. Olisemeka and his team are committed to offering effective, compassionate care to help you recover quickly and safely, ensuring the best possible outcome for your health.

With over 21 years of experience in healthcare, Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, at Physicians Now Urgent Care in Rockville, MD, brings extensive expertise to the diagnosis and treatment of dizziness and vertigo. Dr. Olisemeka utilizes his years of experience to provide a thorough assessment of your symptoms, identifying the underlying cause—whether related to the inner ear, hydration levels, or other conditions. His ability to accurately diagnose and quickly treat dizziness and vertigo ensures that patients receive the most effective care.

Dr. Olisemeka’s commitment to patient well-being is evident in his compassionate, high-quality care. With more than two decades in practice, he offers a comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate relief of symptoms and the identification of long-term solutions. At Physicians Now Urgent Care, you can trust Dr. Olisemeka’s expertise to help restore balance and improve your quality of life, ensuring you get back to feeling your best as quickly as possible.

Contact us today for more information. Our urgent care is conveniently located at 15215 Shady Grove Rd., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. We serve patients from Rockville MD, Travilah MD, Lone Oak MD, Colesville Park MD, Redland MD, Darnestown MD, Anscroft MD, and Wheaton-Glenmont MD.