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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Vertigo and Dizziness?

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Vertigo and dizziness are two different sensations that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct characteristics:

  • Dizziness is a general feeling of being off-balance, lightheaded, faint, woozy, giddy, unsteady, or off-balance. It can be caused by various factors, such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, low blood sugar, iron deficiency anemia, low blood pressure, and environmental conditions or underlying health conditions.
  • Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that feels as though you or your surroundings are spinning. It is usually, but not always, caused by an inner ear problem. One common cause of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which occurs when calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged. Other causes of vertigo include inflammation of the nerves in the inner ear, migraine, head injury, Ménière's disease, noncancerous tumor, or motion sickness.

It is essential to differentiate between vertigo and dizziness because they can have different causes and treatment plans. If you experience persistent or recurrent dizziness or vertigo, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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  • What is the Difference Between Vertigo and Dizziness?
  • Comparative Table: Vertigo vs Dizziness

    • Comparative Table: Vertigo vs Dizziness

    Vertigo and dizziness are two different sensations that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct characteristics. Here is a table summarizing the differences between vertigo and dizziness:

    Characteristic Dizziness Vertigo
    Definition A feeling of being off-balance, difficulty maintaining balance while walking or standing. A spinning sensation or loss of balance, feeling like the world is swaying, spinning, or tilting around them.
    Causes - Drop in blood pressure[^5^]
    - Concussions[^5^]
    - Low blood sugar[^5^]
    - Dehydration and overheating[^5^]    		 - Inner ear disorders[^1^]
    - Central nervous system conditions[^1^]
    Symptoms Staggering while walking, feeling like you're going to fall. Spinning sensation, feeling like the surroundings are moving or spinning[^1^].
    Impact on Daily Life Difficulty with balance, movement, and coordination[^1^]. Can be debilitating, bringing on other symptoms of imbalance[^2^].

    It is essential to differentiate between vertigo and dizziness because their causes and treatments may vary. Proper diagnosis and management can help alleviate these symptoms and improve overall well-being. If you experience recurrent dizziness or vertigo, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.