Feeling off-balance can be unsettling, especially when you are not sure whether to call it dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, or something else entirely. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they can point to different causes.
At New York ENT in New York City, board-certified otolaryngologist Dr. David O. Volpi brings more than 30 years of experience to diagnosing and treating ear, nose, throat, and balance-related concerns, helping his patients understand the causes of their symptoms and what to do next.
What Is Dizziness?
Dizziness is a broad term that can describe several sensations. You may feel faint, woozy, unsteady, weak, or disconnected from your surroundings. Dizziness can be related to dehydration, medication side effects, blood pressure changes, anxiety, vision issues, or inner ear problems.
Because dizziness has many possible causes, the details matter. When it happens, how long it lasts, what triggers it, and whether it occurs with hearing changes, nausea, headache, or imbalance can all help guide the evaluation.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is more specific. It usually refers to a false sense of motion, often described as spinning, tilting, or the room moving when it is not. One common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which can trigger sudden, brief spinning episodes when head position changes. The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery notes that BPPV is a specific diagnosis related to positional vertigo and is often treated with repositioning maneuvers.
Vertigo may also be linked to other inner ear conditions, inflammation, vestibular migraine, or (less commonly) neurological concerns.
How Can You Tell the Difference?
One way to distinguish the two is to think about what you’re actually feeling. If you feel as though you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when they aren’t, that’s characteristic of vertigo. If your symptoms are better described as lightheadedness, faintness, imbalance, or a general sense of feeling “off,” you’re more likely experiencing dizziness.
However, self-diagnosis can be difficult. Many patients use both terms because symptoms overlap. That is why an ENT evaluation may include a discussion of your symptoms, ear and hearing assessment, balance testing, and a review of your medical history.
When Should You Seek Care?
You should schedule an evaluation if dizziness or vertigo keeps returning, lasts a long time, disrupts daily life, or has no clear cause. Mayo Clinic recommends emergency care for new, severe dizziness or vertigo accompanied by chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness, difficulty walking, or a sudden, severe headache.
Find the Cause and the Right Treatment
The right treatment depends on the diagnosis. Some causes of vertigo respond well to in-office maneuvers, while others may require medication, vestibular therapy, or additional testing. If you are experiencing dizziness or vertigo in New York City, contact New York ENT at 212-873-6036 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. David O. Volpi.
