Dizziness: Vertigo or Lightheadedness?

“I feel dizzy” can mean different things. Maybe you have the sense that the room is spinning or that you yourself are falling or turning when you’re not. Or maybe you feel like you’re going to faint.

Both sensations get called being dizzy, but they’re actually two different conditions.

When you perceive that objects around you are moving when they aren’t, that’s called vertigo. The feeling of being near the point of passing out is lightheadedness.

Lightheadedness is common and can easily happen if you get up too quickly, which can result in a temporary drop in blood pressure. Other causes of lightheadedness include:

·         colds and flu

·         allergies

·         stress

·         hyperventilation

·         bleeding

Vertigo is different from lightheadedness in that it results from a malfunction in the body’s systems that send signals to the brain to maintain balance and orientation. Common causes of vertigo are:

·         concussion

·         inner ear disorders

·         migraines

·         brain tumors (rare)

Sudden vertigo can also be the result of a stroke.

Certain medications as well as use of alcohol and drugs can cause both vertigo and lightheadedness.  

Understanding the difference between vertigo and lightheadedness can help with uncovering the root cause of what’s making you dizzy, which is critical in cases caused by serious conditions, such as internal bleeding or concussion.

If you have dizziness or vertigo, visit us at Doctors Express of Timonium. We can help you sort out the cause of your dizziness and find the appropriate treatment.

Be well!