Key Takeaways
Vertigo, dizziness, and disequilibrium are different, and I know how confusing it can be to explain to your doctor.
- Vertigo: Sensation of spinning or motion when you are still.
- Dizziness: General lightheadedness or woozy feeling.
- Disequilibrium: Feeling off-balance or unstable.
Understanding the difference between vertigo, dizziness, and disequilibrium helps your doctor diagnose and treat symptoms accurately.
Vertigo, dizziness, and disequilibrium are different, and I know how confusing it can be to explain to your doctor. I wrote this blog to help you understand the difference between these terms. If after reading it, you’re still not sure exactly what you are experiencing, you can just use the word “dizziness,” which is what most patients call all three of these. My hope is that this blog will help you learn vocabulary words to communicate more effectively with your doctor.
Understanding the Difference Between Vertigo, Dizziness, and Disequilibrium
Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, and How It Feels
Vertigo is the sensation that you are moving, even when you’re not. It might feel like spinning, tilting, or sliding. It can last anywhere from a few seconds to hours—or sometimes even days. For example, you could be sitting still upright in a chair and feel like you are doing a cartwheel to your right.
Vertigo can also describe a false perception of otherwise normal motion. For example, you could twirl around in a circle like an ice skater and feel like you are still moving even after you stop.
Whether you are completely still or in motion when you feel it, a false sensation of motion is referred to as “vertigo.” If you’ve never experienced vertigo before, consider yourself fortunate!
Dizziness: Lightheadedness, Wooziness, and Fainting Sensations
Dizziness is more general—lightheaded, woozy, or floaty. You feel like you might pass out. Many people lump vertigo and dizziness together, but the difference is important for treatment.
Disequilibrium: Balance Problems and Instability
This is when you feel off balance or “wonky,” like you could fall. It usually feels worse when you stand up. Some of my patients describe it as wobbly walking or feeling unstable.
Disequilibrium may occur on its own. It can also co-occur with dizziness or vertigo.
For example, people with neuropathy in their feet, or numbness in the feet, can have disequilibrium. They may also have dizziness when they stand up quickly but not usually experience vertigo.
What Causes Vertigo to Start Suddenly?
When Vertigo Is Triggered by Position Changes
Positional vertigo is triggered by movement or certain positions, like rolling over in bed.
When Vertigo Happens Spontaneously
Spontaneous vertigo happens out of nowhere and can last longer. In severe cases, sometimes spontaneous vertigo requires urgent medical attention.
When Vertigo Comes and Goes in Episodes
Recurrent vertigo attacks may come and go in episodes with certain triggers. This usually indicates an underlying medical condition. Episodic vertigo can last for minutes, to hours, to days, depending on the root cause.
For example, people with migraines, Meniere’s disease, and even autoimmune conditions can have episodes of vertigo when their medical condition flares up. The key to preventing these episodic vertigo attacks is to manage the underlying medical condition.
How to Describe Vertigo Symptoms So Your Doctor Can Diagnose the Cause
Understanding the difference between vertigo, dizziness and disequilibrium is crucial. When you can describe your symptoms accurately, your healthcare provider can help you more effectively—and you’ll stop feeling as dismissed or confused.
Details That Help Differentiate Types of Vertigo
To report your symptoms to your doctor and assist with a correct vertigo diagnosis, be sure to report the circumstances of the vertigo onset, any possible trigger, and how long the symptoms last.
San Diego’s Vertigo Expert
If you’re in the Southern California area and struggle with understanding the difference between vertigo dizziness and disequilibrium, I’d love to help.
Schedule a consultation with me at my office in Vista, CA or request a home visit if you’re unable to travel.
Disclaimer
This blog is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The content and any comments by Dr. Kim Bell, DPT are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The details of any case mentioned in this post represent a typical patient that Dr. Bell might see and do not describe the circumstances of a specific individual.
