Understanding Dizziness and Vertigo
Dizziness and vertigo are common yet complex symptoms that can significantly impact balance, mobility, and daily function. Although often grouped together, they describe different experiences and may originate from distinct physiological systems. Proper assessment is essential to determine the underlying contributors and guide effective management.
Dizziness is a broad, non-specific term used to describe sensations such as lightheadedness, unsteadiness, imbalance, or a sense of disorientation. Vertigo refers more specifically to the perception of movement, most commonly a spinning or rotational sensation when no actual movement is occurring. While these sensations may feel similar to patients, they often reflect different underlying mechanisms.
Both dizziness and vertigo can arise from dysfunction in the vestibular system of the inner ear, the cervical spine, the nervous system, cardiovascular regulation, or metabolic and lifestyle factors. In many cases, symptoms result from an interaction between multiple systems rather than a single isolated cause, which is why a comprehensive and individualized evaluation is important.
Common Causes and Triggers
Dizziness and vertigo may be associated with a range of contributing factors, including:
Inner ear conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, or labyrinthitis
Cervical spine dysfunction, often referred to as cervicogenic dizziness
Concussion or post–head injury changes
Visual–vestibular coordination disturbances
Autonomic or blood pressure regulation issues
Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or nutritional deficiencies
Prolonged stress or nervous system dysregulation
Poor sleep or reduced recovery capacity
Symptoms are commonly triggered or worsened by head or body movement, positional changes, visual stimulation, fatigue, stress, or rapid transitions from sitting to standing.
Typical Signs and Symptoms
Presentation varies between individuals but may include:
Spinning or rotational sensations
Lightheadedness or faintness
Unsteadiness or balance difficulties while walking
A sensation of being pulled or drifting to one side
Nausea or motion sensitivity
Headaches or neck discomfort
Visual disturbances or difficulty focusing
Increased symptoms with head or positional changes
Cognitive fatigue or mental fog
Not all patients experience true vertigo; persistent imbalance or spatial disorientation can be equally disruptive and should be evaluated.
Evaluation, Management, and When to Seek Support
Evaluation of dizziness and vertigo begins with a thorough review of your health history and a detailed discussion of how and when symptoms occur. This includes identifying symptom patterns, triggers, duration, and associated factors such as neck discomfort, headaches, visual changes, recent illness, or prior head injury. A focused physical assessment may include balance and gait testing, cervical spine and postural evaluation, vestibular and eye-movement screening, and neurological and functional assessments where appropriate. The goal is to determine which systems are contributing to symptoms and to rule out red flags that may require medical referral.
Management is guided by the findings of the assessment and is tailored to the individual. Care often focuses on improving balance and coordination, restoring normal movement patterns, addressing cervical spine dysfunction when present, and gradually reducing sensitivity to symptom-provoking activities. Treatment plans are typically progressive, adjusting as tolerance improves, and may include a combination of manual therapy, vestibular and sensorimotor rehabilitation, movement retraining, and supportive therapeutic modalities. Education is an important component of care, helping patients understand their symptoms and move with greater confidence.
Early evaluation is recommended if dizziness or vertigo is persistent, worsening, or interfering with daily activities such as walking, driving, or work. Assessment is also advised if symptoms follow a head or neck injury, are consistently triggered by movement or positional changes, or lead to avoidance of activity due to fear of symptom flare-ups. Immediate medical attention is required if symptoms are accompanied by sudden weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, vision loss, chest pain, fainting, or a sudden severe headache. Timely assessment and appropriate care often improve outcomes and reduce the risk of ongoing or recurrent symptoms.
Treatments Commonly Used for Dizziness and Vertigo
Treatment for dizziness and vertigo is guided by the findings of the clinical assessment and focuses on addressing the systems contributing to symptoms. At ONE80 Health, care is individualized and may involve one or more of the following services: