Article by Hearing Partners, contributed by Jol Lie Teoh, Clinical Audiologist at Hearing Partners
Used to describe the feeling of fainting, lightheadedness or instability, the terms dizziness and giddiness are frequently used interchangeably. Vertigo, on the other hand, refers to the feeling of one’s surroundings spinning.
This article will explore the key differences between dizziness and vertigo. Itโll delve into the potential causes of these sensations and when to seek medical attention. Additionally, weโll discuss some possible treatments for dizziness and vertigo, and address some frequently asked questions.
Key Takeaways
- Dizziness/giddiness is a broad term that describes different sensations of disequilibrium, including feelings of imbalance, wooziness and lightheadedness, while vertigo refers to the false sensation of your surroundings spinning or whirling.
- Dizziness is often a symptom of an underlying health condition and can be caused by a variety of physiological and psychological factors.
- Vertigo is largely caused by inner ear disorders, such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniereโs Disease and Labyrinthitis.
- It is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing persistent dizziness or frequent episodes of vertigo that impact your daily routines.
- While it takes time for dizziness or vertigo to subside, certain treatment options may help provide relief and/or quicken recovery. This may include the Epley Manoeuvre, TRV Chair Therapy, Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), medication, lifestyle changes or movement.
Giddiness vs Dizziness vs Vertigo
What is dizziness?
Dizziness (or giddiness) is a general term to describe different sensations of disequilibrium, including imbalance, wooziness, lightheadedness and feeling youโre about to faint.
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is a more specific term that refers to the false sensation of your surroundings spinning or whirling. Both dizziness and vertigo, depending on their severity, can make someone feel challenged or afraid of moving, causing discomfort and a lack of confidence, which in turn affects their daily activities.
What Causes Dizziness and Vertigo?
Understanding the causes of dizziness and vertigo can help identify the most suitable treatment methods. Learn more about the causes below.
Dizziness
Dizziness is often a symptom of an underlying health condition. Some potential causes can include:
| Physiological factors | Psychological factors | Others |
|---|---|---|
Vertigo
Vertigo primarily arises from disorders that affect the vestibular system, located within the inner ear. This system plays a vital role in supplying the brain with crucial details regarding movement, positioning, and spatial orientation.ย
Conditions affecting the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, can also lead to vertigo. Several conditions that can contribute to the occurrence of vertigo include:
| Inner ear disorders | Central nervous system disorders | Others |
|---|---|---|
When to See a Doctor for Dizziness and Vertigo
If you experience frequent episodes of giddiness or dizziness that start to impact your daily life, itโs crucial to seek medical advice. Additionally, consult a doctor right away if you observe any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Drooping of the eyes or mouth
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Blurred vision
- Persistent severe headache
- High fever
- Persistent vomiting
- Speech difficulties
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus
- Loss of consciousness
- Fainting spells
How to diagnose dizziness and vertigo
Youโre recommended to schedule an appointment with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist first. Following the consultation, the ENT specialist may recommend further diagnostic tests by an audiologist to identify the cause of your condition. Examples of such tests include Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (oVEMP or cVEMP), VideoNystagmoGraphy (VNG) and Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT).
Upon completion of the diagnostic tests, the ENT specialist will review the results with you and advise on the appropriate treatment plan to address your dizzy spells or vertigo.
Take a diagnostic test today
Vertigo and dizziness can affect your quality of life. Take a diagnostic test as soon as possible and learn how to manage your symptoms.
How to Treat Dizziness and Vertigo
In most cases, dizziness tends to resolve itself within a couple of weeks due to compensation, i.e. the brain adapting to the imbalance and recalibrating itself by taking reference from your daily movements. Hence, as long as youโre in a safe and supported environment, the best โtreatmentโ for dizziness is to carry on with your everyday activities (start at a lower intensity if necessary).
However, if it persists, we recommend consulting a doctor, audiologist or neurologist who can conduct comprehensive examinations to determine the underlying cause. Your healthcare professional will create a tailored treatment plan to address both the symptoms and the cause.
These are some of the potential treatments that may be recommended:
Epley Maneuver
Itโs an effective way of treating vertigo caused by Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). In the vestibule (the balance system in our inner ear), crystals play a crucial role in detecting our motion. However, when these crystals are dislodged and fall into the semicircular canals, inaccurate signals may be sent to the brain, resulting in vertigo.
To address this issue, Epley maneuver, a series of simple head and body movements, will be carried out to reposition the dislodged crystals back to their respective position. The maneuver may need to be done multiple times to remove all the crystals from the canals and fully resolve the symptoms of vertigo.
Advanced Treatment for BPPV: TRV Chair Therapy
For individuals experiencing persistent or recurrent vertigo caused by Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), advanced treatment options such as TRV chair therapy may be recommended.
While traditional repositioning techniques like the Epley manoeuvre are effective for many patients, some cases, especially those involving complex canal involvement or recurring symptoms, may require more precise intervention.
At Hearing Partners (Camden Medical), we offer TRV chair treatment, designed to:
- Accurately diagnose and treat different types of BPPV
- Deliver precise, controlled repositioning of inner ear crystals
- Improve treatment success rates for difficult or recurrent cases
- Reduce discomfort compared to manual repositioning techniques
Unlike manual manoeuvres, the TRV chair allows audiologists to guide patients through 360-degree movements with high precision, ensuring that dislodged crystals in the inner ear are effectively repositioned.
This treatment is particularly beneficial for:
- Patients who do not respond fully to the Epley manoeuvre
- Individuals with mobility limitations (e.g. elderly patients, neck/back concerns, obesity)
- Complex or multi-canal BPPV cases
If your vertigo symptoms persist despite initial treatment, a comprehensive assessment at Hearing Partners can determine if TRV chair therapy is suitable for you.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a tailored treatment for individuals experiencing dizziness, whether itโs caused by inner ear conditions, central issues, age-related degeneration or long duration of inactivity and sensory deprivation. Itโs based on the concept of compensation โ by enhancing vision and postural stability and promoting vestibular adaptation โ to resume daily functions and movements.
VRT is usually carried out by a trained physiotherapist or healthcare professionals who specialise in vestibular rehabilitation. It incorporates various exercises such as eye movement control, balance retraining, and stretching and strengthening exercises.
Medication
Medications are usually prescribed based on the severity of your symptoms and the cause of the vertigo. Betahistine is the most commonly prescribed medication to relieve vertigo and other inner ear symptoms such as tinnitus and hearing loss.
Antibiotics or steroids would be prescribed if the vertigo is found to be caused by inflammation or infection.ย
On the other hand, diuretics are usually prescribed for Mรฉniรจreโs disease to control fluid buildup in the balance organs. Medication may also be given to reduce the anxiety caused by the dizziness.
Lifestyle changes
Addressing your feelings of dizziness can be achieved by making simple lifestyle changes. Whether it’s practising stress relief techniques or moderating your intake of substances such as caffeine and alcohol, these adjustments can play a crucial role in reducing the frequency of your dizzy spells.
Movement
Donโt be afraid of movements; the less mobile you are, the longer it takes to overcome the dizziness. Start with low-intensity movements that youโre confident with and ensure your safety by having structural support with you, like a walking stick or a family member.
After building the confidence and strength for greater movements, slowly introduce activities that encourage quick head movements and changes in directions. Just like VRT, the goal is to resume your daily functions and movements, so try your best to move about.
FAQs About Giddiness and Dizziness
What should I do if I suddenly feel dizzy?
If you suddenly experience dizziness, we recommend the following steps to prevent potential injuries:
- Lie down
Take a break from your current activities and lie down until the dizziness subsides. If youโre unable to find a space to lie down, try to sit down and position your head between your knees. After the dizziness has subsided, stand up slowly. If possible, find something to hold onto for support when standing up.
- Move with caution
If you need to move to a different location, itโs important to exercise caution and move at a slow, steady pace. Always hold onto a sturdy support to prevent yourself from falling.
- Drink water and consume sugar
If the dizziness is caused by dehydration, anaemia (low BP) or hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), drinking water and having a candy can help to alleviate your symptoms.
What can I do to stop feeling dizzy?
In most cases, episodes of dizziness will resolve naturally after a couple of weeks. However, if it persists, youโre recommended to see a doctor or healthcare professional. They may recommend certain treatments, such as:
- Otoconia Repositioning Manoeuvres: Targeted at Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), this treatment repositions dislodged crystals in the inner ear back to their respective positions.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): This treatment involves various exercises, such as eye movement control, balance retraining, and stretching and strengthening exercises, to help you resume daily functions and movements.
- Medication: Betahistine, antibiotics, steroids, or diuretics may be prescribed by your healthcare professional to help with symptoms and the cause of the vertigo.
- Lifestyle changes: Simple practices, such as stress relief techniques or moderating your intake of substances, can help alleviate feelings of dizziness.
- Movement: Similar to VRT, movement helps you resume your daily functions without being inhibited by dizziness.
Can dizziness or vertigo be prevented?
No, they cannot be prevented. However, you can lower your risk of experiencing dizziness and vertigo by staying hydrated, consuming regular meals, ensuring that you get sufficient rest and exercise and regulating your stress levels.
As certain medications or substances (e.g. caffeine or alcohol) can cause dizziness or vertigo, you may want to manage your consumption levels. Additionally, we recommend avoiding events that can cause instability such as injuring the head and neck, and long durations of inactivity and uncorrected vision.
Jol Lie is a Clinical Audiologist at Hearing Partners. She graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Audiology with Honours (Distinction) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Jol Lie is experienced in conducting hearing tests for adults, children and newborns, and offers hearing aid counselling, evaluation and fitting services.