What is the difference between vertigo and dizziness?

Vertigo is a false sense of spinning or movement. Dizziness is a broader term that may include light-headedness, faintness, or unsteadiness without spinning. The distinction helps guide assessment because causes and treatments can differ.

Can physiotherapy help vertigo and dizziness?

Physiotherapy may help when dizziness relates to the vestibular system, balance control, or neck input. A physiotherapist can assess triggers and may recommend vestibular rehabilitation exercises, balance retraining, or repositioning manoeuvres for BPPV when appropriate.

How do you treat BPPV?

BPPV is often managed with canalith repositioning manoeuvres that aim to move displaced inner-ear crystals back to a less sensitive area. A trained clinician selects the manoeuvre based on which canal is involved and your symptoms.

When is dizziness a red flag?

Seek urgent medical care if dizziness occurs with chest pain, fainting, severe headache, new weakness or numbness, facial droop, new speech problems, or sudden vision changes. These symptoms can signal a serious medical issue.

Why does vertigo happen when you turn over in bed?

Vertigo triggered by rolling in bed often occurs with BPPV. Head position changes can shift inner-ear crystals and briefly disrupt balance signals, which can create a short spinning sensation.

Vertigo & Dizziness

Article by
John Miller,
Shane Armfield

Vestibular-Physiotherapy-Vertigo-Bppv-Treatment-Brisbane-815

Vertigo and dizziness can cause spinning sensations, unsteadiness, or a floating feeling that makes everyday tasks harder. Although people often use these terms interchangeably, they describe different sensations. Clear definitions help your clinician narrow down likely causes and guide safe treatment.

If symptoms persist or keep returning, start with vestibular physiotherapy and a plan that may include vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT).

Vertigo and Dizziness: What Is the Difference?

Vertigo

Vertigo is the sensation that you or the room is moving or spinning when no movement is happening. It often links to the vestibular system in the inner ear, which helps your brain interpret head movement and position.

Common conditions associated with vertigo include:

Dizziness

Dizziness is a broader term that may include light-headedness, faintness, unsteadiness, or feeling off. It does not always involve a spinning sensation. Causes can range from dehydration and low blood pressure to medication effects, anxiety, or inner ear problems.

People also ask: Is vertigo and dizziness serious? It can be, depending on the cause. Seek urgent medical care if symptoms occur with chest pain, fainting, new weakness or numbness, facial droop, new speech problems, severe headache, or sudden vision changes.

If dizziness is persistent, recurrent, or affecting walking confidence, it is worth getting checked. For a plain-language overview, see MedlinePlus: Dizziness and Vertigo.

Vertigo and dizziness assessment with physiotherapist guiding head position in clinic — Physiotherapy Assessment For Vertigo And Dizziness

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Why Do People Get Vertigo?

Vertigo commonly occurs when signals between the inner ear, eyes, and brain do not match. Several conditions can trigger this.

BPPV: Small calcium crystals shift into the wrong inner-ear canal, triggering brief vertigo with head movement. Learn more about BPPV.
Meniere’s disease: Fluid changes in the inner ear may lead to vertigo alongside hearing changes and tinnitus. See Meniere’s disease.
Vestibular migraine: Migraine-related changes can affect balance and spatial processing. See vestibular migraine.
Neck-related dizziness: In some people, neck irritation and altered input can contribute to dizziness. See cervicogenic dizziness.
Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis: Inflammation of inner-ear structures (often after infection) can disrupt balance signals.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Dizziness?

Dizziness has many possible causes. Three common contributors include:

Low blood pressure: Especially when standing quickly, which can briefly reduce blood flow to the brain.
Dehydration or low energy intake: Reduced circulating volume can leave you light-headed and unsteady.
Inner ear disorders: Balance organs in the inner ear can trigger dizziness or vertigo when irritated or inflamed.

Physiotherapy for Vertigo and Dizziness

A vestibular physiotherapy assessment checks how your balance systems work together, including eye control, head movement tolerance, gait stability, and (when relevant) your neck.

A physiotherapist may recommend:

Vestibular rehabilitation exercises to improve balance and reduce symptoms
Specific repositioning manoeuvres for BPPV
Walking and balance retraining for confidence and fall-risk reduction
Neck treatment and movement guidance when neck input contributes

What to Do Next

If vertigo or dizziness is affecting daily activities, driving confidence, sport, or work, an assessment can help clarify the likely cause and guide a practical plan. Seek urgent medical care if dizziness occurs with chest pain, new weakness, facial droop, severe headache, fainting, or new speech or vision changes.

Balance Products

These balance products are commonly used by our physiotherapists to improve strength, balance, prevent injuries falls or injuries, plus assist home exercise programs.