Vertigo vs. Dizziness: What’s the Difference and When Should You Worry?
Not all dizziness is the same. Some people feel unsteady. Others feel like the room is spinning. The difference matters. If you’ve ever felt off balance or lightheaded, or like the floor is moving under your feet, you may have wondered if it’s vertigo. Or is it just dizziness?
Both symptoms are common. Both can be unsettling. And both can point to issues with your inner ear, your brain, or something else entirely. At Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus, we now offer vestibular evaluations at our Seattle clinic to help identify what’s really going on.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a specific kind of dizziness. It’s the sensation that you or your environment is spinning or moving, even when you’re standing still. It’s not just lightheadedness. It’s not about feeling “off” or wobbly. It’s a false sense of motion.
People with vertigo often describe:
- A whirling or spinning feeling
- Trouble walking or standing still
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sudden eye movement (nystagmus)
- Symptoms that worsen when turning the head or changing position
Vertigo can last for seconds, minutes, or even hours. It may come and go or be triggered by specific movements—like rolling over in bed or bending over.
What Is Dizziness?
Dizziness is a broader term. It can describe many sensations, including:
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Unsteadiness
- A floating or woozy feeling
- Imbalance or disorientation
- A sensation of “head fog”
Not all dizziness involves spinning. In fact, dizziness is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor, especially as they age. But because it’s such a vague symptom, it’s often hard to describe—and even harder to diagnose without proper evaluation.
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo is usually tied to inner ear or vestibular system problems. That’s the system your body uses to maintain balance.
Common causes include:
- BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) – The most common cause. It happens when tiny crystals in your inner ear move out of place.
- Vestibular neuritis – Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often due to a viral infection.
- Ménière’s disease – A condition causing episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears.
- Migraines – Vestibular migraines can cause dizziness and vertigo, even without a headache.
- Head trauma – Concussions and injuries can affect balance systems in the brain and ear.
Vertigo is usually not dangerous, but it can be extremely disruptive. Fortunately, many causes are treatable once diagnosed.
What Causes Other Types of Dizziness?
Dizziness that isn’t vertigo can have many triggers:
- Dehydration or low blood pressure
- Medication side effects
- Anxiety or panic disorders
- Heart problems
- Neurological conditions
- Vision issues
- Blood sugar fluctuations
That’s why a detailed case history is so important. The more precisely you can describe your symptoms, the better your provider can pinpoint the problem.
Key Differences: Vertigo vs. Dizziness
| Feature | Vertigo | Dizziness |
|---|---|---|
| Spinning sensation | Yes | Rare |
| Balance affected | Frequently | Sometimes |
| Related to head motion | Often | Not always |
| Nausea/vomiting | Common | Less common |
| Cause | Usually vestibular | Many possible causes |
In short: all vertigo is dizziness, but not all dizziness is vertigo.
Why Does It Matter?
Because the underlying causes—and treatments—can be very different. Vertigo from BPPV might be treated with a quick repositioning maneuver. Dizziness from low blood pressure might require hydration or medication changes. Anxiety-related dizziness might respond best to counseling or relaxation techniques.
That’s why guessing isn’t enough. Proper testing matters.
How Audiologists Can Help
At Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus, our Seattle office now offers vestibular evaluations to help uncover the cause of dizziness or vertigo. Audiologists are trained to assess inner ear function and balance. If your symptoms stem from a vestibular issue, we can often identify and treat it—or refer you to the right specialist.
Our evaluations may include:
- Dizziness questionnaires and symptom history
- Balance tests
- Positional maneuvers to identify BPPV
- Vestibular function screenings
Don’t wait until your dizziness leads to a fall or affects your independence. Help is available—and it starts with the right diagnosis.
When to Schedule an Evaluation
Call us if you’re experiencing:
- Recurring or sudden vertigo
- Dizziness when changing positions
- Trouble walking in a straight line
- Imbalance or unsteadiness
- Nausea tied to movement or noise
- A history of falls or near-falls
Even if your symptoms seem mild, they can get worse over time. Early assessment makes treatment more effective—and often simpler.
The Bottom Line
Vertigo and dizziness aren’t just annoying. They can disrupt your life, limit your activities, and increase your risk of injury. But you don’t have to live with uncertainty. With the right evaluation and expert care, you can get answers—and a path forward.
If you’re struggling with dizziness or vertigo, call Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus in Seattle to schedule a vestibular evaluation. We’re here to help you regain your balance and your confidence.