Many people use the terms “dizziness” and “vertigo” interchangeably, but the sensations and causes are actually very different. Dizziness is usually a temporary symptom of general imbalance, while vertigo symptoms are associated with the sufferer’s entire world spinning around due to an inner ear issue.

While both conditions can make daily life difficult, they are very common, so it is important to know which one you are suffering from to get the correct treatment. Let our team at AFC Urgent Care Hixson help you distinguish which one you have below!

What Is General Dizziness?

Dizziness is generally attributed to a feeling of being continually off-balance. Standing up, moving around or doing day-to-day tasks may be difficult while you are dizzy. It could also be dangerous to be up and moving around, as your center of balance is out of alignment.

It is usually a symptom coming from an underlying health or environmental issue, and can often be remedied with either rest, water or food consumption. A few reasons you could be dizzy are listed below.

Common Causes of Dizziness

• Dehydration
• Heat exhaustion
• Low blood sugar or blood pressure
• Iron deficiency anemia

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a symptom created by another issue within the body. The most common reason for vertigo is from some sort of inner ear imbalance. Migraines, labyrinthitis and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) are all reasons that you may experience the sensation.

Most cases of vertigo will eventually go away on their own, but there are some things you can do to help relieve some of your symptoms while you wait. Anti-nausea medications can help relieve your upset stomach, as well as certain head movements that can help move calcium deposits through your inner ear, reducing the spinning sensation.

Symptoms of Vertigo

• Intense spinning or world shifting sensations
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
• Motion sickness

If your vertigo becomes severe or is recurrent, you should be evaluated by a medical provider. Drop by AFC Urgent Care Hixson to be seen quickly!