I Have Bouts of Dizziness Often: Do I Have Vertigo?

Feeling dizzy or unsteady can be unsettling, especially if it happens often. If you’ve found yourself experiencing these symptoms, you might wonder if you have vertigo. The physicians at Advanced Medical Care in Queens and Brooklyn are well-versed in diagnosing and treating dizziness and vertigo, offering expert care to those struggling with balance issues.

First, you need to know that not all dizziness is the same. Some forms of dizziness may be vertigo, while others have different causes. Here’s a breakdown to help clarify and guide you.

What is vertigo, and how is it different from dizziness?

A common misconception is that the terms vertigo and dizziness are interchangeable. Although they share similarities, they describe different sensations.

Dizziness

Dizziness is a general term that describes feeling faint, lightheaded, unsteady, or woozy, and it can vary from mild to severe.

Vertigo

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness. It feels like you (or your surroundings) are spinning or moving, even though you’re stationary. This spinning sensation often disrupts your balance and can last seconds, minutes, or even days.

Though vertigo includes dizziness, its causes, symptoms, and treatments can differ greatly.

Common causes of dizziness and vertigo

The causes of dizziness and vertigo fall into several categories, including problems with the inner ear, nervous system, and circulatory system. The following are among the most common culprits.

Inner ear conditions

Your sense of balance heavily relies on your inner ear, home to the vestibular system responsible for detecting motion and spatial orientation. Common inner ear-related causes include:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): Often triggered by head movements, BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. It happens when small crystals in your inner ear become dislodged and disrupt equilibrium.

Meniere’s disease: This condition involves the buildup of inner ear fluid, leading to sudden vertigo episodes, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and intermittent hearing loss.

Labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis: These are inflammations of the inner ear or vestibular nerve, often caused by viral infections. Symptoms include severe vertigo and, in some cases, hearing loss.

Circulatory and neurological issues

Other causes of dizziness and vertigo involve circulatory or nervous system conditions, such as:

Low blood pressure: A sudden drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension) can cause dizziness when standing up too quickly.

Stroke: A stroke affecting the brain's balance centers may cause symptoms like vertigo, weakness, trouble speaking, or numbness.

Migraine disease: Some individuals experience vestibular migraines, which can include vertigo regardless of whether a headache is present.

Multiple sclerosis (MS): MS can impair nerve communication, resulting in dizziness or balance problems.

Lifestyle and external triggers

Certain factors in your daily life may also contribute to dizziness:

• Dehydration
• Alcohol consumption
• Some medications, such as blood pressure or sedative drugs
• Prolonged bed rest
• Anxiety or panic disorders

Knowing these triggers can help you avoid them and the dizziness they cause.

When to seek medical care for dizziness or vertigo

Occasional dizziness often resolves on its own and may be due to dehydration or fatigue. However, you should seek medical attention if you:

• Experience persistent or recurring vertigo or dizziness
• Develop additional symptoms, such as severe headaches, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, or slurred speech
• Feel unsteady to the point of nearly falling
• Have sudden changes in vision or hearing

It’s always better to err on the side of caution, especially when symptoms become disruptive or unexplained.

How we can help you at Advanced Medical Care

At Advanced Medical Care, we offer a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating dizziness and vertigo. Here’s what we provide to help you regain your balance and confidence:

Advanced diagnostics

Our specialists use tools like electronystagmography (ENG) to evaluate involuntary eye movements related to balance disorders. We also perform electroencephalograms (EEGs) to assess brain activity and identify potential neurological causes.

Customized treatments

Depending on the root cause of your vertigo or dizziness, our personalized care plans may include:

• Vestibular rehabilitation training to strengthen balance
• Medications for conditions like Meniere’s disease or migraines
• Physical therapy to improve stability and coordination
• Surgical options for severe cases, such as brain tumors or structural abnormalities

If you struggle with persistent dizziness or vertigo, call Advanced Medical Care in Queens or Brooklyn, New York, or book an appointment using our online scheduler.