Beyond the Whirl

Know the difference between regular dizziness and vertigo, to better manage vestibular disorders.

Living Fully|Nov. 11, 2024

We’re all familiar with dizziness— the faint, light-headed sensation that seems to catch you off guard. A typical dizzy spell usually doesn’t last longer than a few seconds. But sometimes, it can linger on and can be quite unsettling. How do you tackle such an episode, or support someone going through it? How do you know if it’s simply dizziness or something more, like vertigo?

While there’s some overlap between general dizziness and the symptoms of vertigo, the two differ in a number of ways.

It’s time to uncover some facts about dizziness, vertigo and the distinction between the two. Before we begin, here’s a quick questionnaire to help those with frequent dizzy spells learn more about their condition

The Balancing Fact

Dizziness is usually caused by low blood flow to the brain, due to many reasons, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, or anemia. People often describe it as feeling faint or disoriented. Vertigo, on the other hand, is a disorder of the vestibular system, located in the inner ear. Tiny crystals from one part of the ear come loose and enter the semicircular canal in the inner ear, leading to a loss of balance. While this could cause dizziness, a typical vertigo attack makes you feel like your surroundings are spinning or moving, even when you’re stationary.

Mild vertigo episodes may last for a few seconds, but severe attacks could go on for days, making it difficult to take up even basic tasks like driving or cooking. This isn’t just a physical challenge; it takes an emotional toll, too. A recent survey found that among people with vertigo, 34% cancel important events, 33% experiencing frequent anger or annoyance, and 26% fear damage to their relationships with family members. Since the symptoms aren’t visible, it’s hard to convey the extent of what you’re going through to those around you. Besides, the unpredictability of the episodes makes it difficult to plan for or be a part of social gatherings.

But here’s what can help: something as simple as a combination of lifestyle changes, exercises and medication. The important part is seeking help at the right time. It’s important to talk to a doctor who can rule out the possibility of vertigo or diagnose the condition as this can provide a great deal of relief.

Movement for Stability 

The first step is identifying your triggers. According to a recent study, the leading triggers of vertigo are anxiety or stress (39%), travelling (34%), and changes in weather (30%). Vertigo attacks can also be brought on by specific movements of the head or by factors like bright lights, or salt or caffeine consumption. Paying close attention to your pattern of vertigo events lets you learn your body’s response to triggers, so you can minimize your exposure to them.

Additionally, small tweaks to your routine, like staying well hydrated, adopting a balanced diet, and getting enough rest, can keep vertigo flare-ups in check.

Therapeutic exercises play a pivotal role in restoring the balance of the vestibular system and relieving vertigo symptoms. Doctors can help you understand what would work best for you. For example, the Canalith Repositioning Procedure or Epley’s Maneuver is a series of head movements that doctors recommend, to rectify the position of the dislodged crystals in the inner ear. While most patients find relief with this technique, some continue to face imbalance and unsteadiness, called “residual dizziness,” even after the crystals have been repositioned. Medication is crucial in managing such a situation. Medicines that improve the flow of blood to the inner ear, and reduce the pressure built up in this area, prove useful in the treatment of residual dizziness. Similarly, vitamin D3 supplements are associated with a reduced risk of vertigo episodes.

On Track with Medication

Thus, in some cases, diet control and exercise may not be sufficient in keeping vertigo attacks at bay. Adhering to the medication schedule is a critical aspect of one’s healthcare plan. Keeping track of this routine becomes easier with a health-tech app that sends you timely alerts, to ensure you never miss a dose. These digital companions also guide you with the information and resources you need, to know what to expect in your health journey; so patients can go about their lives without the worry of being caught off-balance.

We tend to brush off dizziness as a trivial matter that doesn’t need attention. But it could be your body’s way of asking for help. Getting to the root of the issue and following a personalized care plan will let you take control of your health, giving you the confidence to take on each day with certainty, stability and balance.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.