13588 88 Ave #202, Surrey, BC V3W 2P5
Welcome to King George Physio!
-
Call for help: (604) 503-5682
-
We Provide Physiotherapy & Recovery From Pains.
At King George Physio, we specialize in providing a wide range of physiotherapy services to help you recover from injuries, manage pain, and optimize your physical well-being. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to delivering personalized care and effective treatment options tailored to your unique needs.
10 Dec. 2025
Vertigo vs Dizziness: What’s the Difference?
Nearly everyone has felt dizzy at some point after standing up too fast, missing a meal, or being sick. But when the world seems to spin or move even while you are completely still, the experience is very different. This is where people often confuse dizziness with vertigo.
Although both affect your sense of balance, they are not the same, and understanding the difference is important. Knowing whether you’re experiencing dizziness or true vertigo can help you explain symptoms correctly, get the right diagnosis, and receive proper treatment.
This blog breaks down the difference between dizziness and vertigo, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and when to seek medical help.
Vertigo vs Dizziness
Many people use the terms dizziness and vertigo as if they mean the same thing, but medically, they are different.
Dizziness
Dizziness is a general term. It often feels like:
– Lightheadedness
– Faintness
– Feeling “woozy”
– Being unsteady on your feet
Dizziness may or may not affect the inner ear.
Vertigo
Vertigo is more specific. It is the false sensation of movement, often described as:
– The room spinning
– You spinning
– Tilting or swaying
There are two major types:
– Peripheral vertigo – caused by inner ear issues
– Central vertigo – caused by brain or neurological problems
In simple terms:
👉 All vertigo is dizziness, but not all dizziness is vertigo.
Understanding this difference helps clinicians determine the correct cause and treatment.
Common Causes of Dizziness
Dizziness can occur due to many health conditions, including:
– Inner ear disorders (ear infections, vestibular neuritis)
– Anaemia (low red blood cell count)
– Low blood pressure or heart rhythm problems
– Concussions or head injuries
– Migraine headaches
– Anxiety, panic attacks, or stress
– Dehydration
– Low blood sugar (especially in diabetes)
– Motion sickness
These causes range from mild and temporary to more serious making proper evaluation essential.
Common Causes of Vertigo
Vertigo is usually linked to conditions affecting the inner ear or brain. The most common causes include:
– BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
– Migraine-related vertigo
– Vestibular neuritis
– Ear infections
– Ménière’s disease
– Stroke or reduced blood flow to the brain
– Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
– Diabetes affecting nerves or blood flow
– Head injury
– Sudden blood pressure drops
Vertigo should never be ignored because it may be a sign of an underlying medical issue.
Symptoms That Differentiate Vertigo from Dizziness
Dizziness Symptoms
– Feeling faint or lightheaded
– Unsteadiness or imbalance
– Weakness or blurred vision
– Woozy sensation
Vertigo Symptoms
– Spinning, swaying, or tilting sensation
– Nausea or vomiting
– Difficulty walking straight
– Hearing loss or ringing in ears
– Objects appearing to move
Recognizing these signs helps with early diagnosis.
How Are Vertigo and Dizziness Diagnosed?
Diagnosing these conditions requires a detailed evaluation:
1. Medical History & Physical Examination
Doctors ask about:
- Onset and nature of symptoms
- Triggers (like head movement or dehydration)
- Associated conditions (headaches, ear pressure, fever)
2. Vestibular Tests
- Dix–Hallpike test
- Roll test
Used to confirm BPPV and other inner ear issues.
3. Neurological Examination
Includes:
- Romberg test
- Coordination tests
- Balance assessment
4. Hearing Tests
- Pure Tone Audiometry to evaluate inner ear function
5. Vestibular Function Test
- Videonystagmography (VNG) gold standard for vertigo assessment
6. Imaging (MRI/CT Scan)
Recommended when neurological causes are suspected.
Accurate diagnosis ensures proper treatment targeted to the cause.
Can Vertigo and Dizziness Be Prevented?
Not all cases can be prevented, but the risk can be reduced with:
- Staying hydrated
- Managing diabetes, blood pressure, and anaemia
- Avoiding sudden head movements
- Stress reduction (yoga, breathing exercises)
- Eating balanced meals
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
Occasional episodes of dizziness or vertigo are usually not a cause for concern. However, you should seek medical attention if the symptoms become frequent, severe, or appear suddenly. Get help right away if you experience:
- Dizziness or vertigo that doesn’t improve with rest, hydration, or simple home care
- Chest pain or tightness along with dizziness, which can indicate a heart-related issue
- A sudden, intense headache paired with balance problems possible warning signs of a stroke
- High fever with dizziness, which may point to an infection
- Hearing loss, blurred vision, or difficulty walking that accompanies vertigo
Seeing a doctor early helps ensure an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment, reducing the risk of complications from conditions like stroke, diabetes, or inner ear disorders.
Services Commonly Provided for Vertigo & Dizziness
(Including leading physiotherapy and ENT practices in Canada)
Service | Purpose |
Advanced Vestibular Testing | Full evaluation of the balance system |
Personalized Diagnosis | Identifies the exact cause instead of general treatment |
BPPV Treatment (Crystal Repositioning) | Repositions misplaced inner ear crystals |
Exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness | |
Migraine-Related Vertigo Care | Treatment for migraine-linked dizziness |
Dizziness & Imbalance Rehabilitation | Improves walking stability and confidence |
Tinnitus Evaluation & Management | For ringing or buzzing sounds in the ear |
Teleconsultation (Available in Many Centers) | Remote guidance and follow-up care |
Conclusion
At King George Physiotherapy & Rehab Clinic, we use advanced vestibular assessments and personalized treatment plans to identify the exact cause of your vertigo or dizziness. Our physiotherapists specialize in vestibular rehabilitation, helping you regain balance, reduce spinning sensations, and return to normal daily activities with confidence.
If you or someone you care about has been struggling with vertigo, imbalance, or frequent dizzy spells, remember you don’t have to live with it. With the right evaluation and expert-guided therapy, vertigo and dizziness can be successfully treated.
Book your appointment today and take the first step toward restoring your balance and well-being.
At King George Physio, we specialize in providing a wide range of physiotherapy services to help you recover from injuries, manage pain, and optimize your physical well-being.
Quick Links
Other Services
Copyright © 2025 King George Physio | Physiotherapy Near Me Powered By Marqet Solutions