Vertigo and dizziness are two terms that are, unfortunately, extremely easy to confuse. While they both describe similar feelings and are often used interchangeably, they’re actually two very different sensations that can be triggered by different causes. Vertigo and dizziness are treated differently too—which is why it can be helpful to know how to tell the difference.
Follow along as we explain the difference between vertigo vs. dizziness and find out how our physical therapists in Schertz diagnose and treat these two very distinct conditions.
Vertigo vs. Dizziness: How to Tell the Difference?
While many people report feeling dizzy when experiencing vertigo, vertigo is used to describe a specific sensation in which your surroundings are moving. You might experience a great degree of ‘bodily feelings’ while experiencing vertigo—including spinning, whirling, tipping, or imbalance. It’s also common for people with vertigo to feel queasy or nauseous, as well.
Dizziness is often referred to as a “a feeling of being off-balance.” Like vertigo, dizziness is a symptom, meaning it’s usually caused by something else. You might feel dizzy or off-balance for any number of reasons—including dehydration, motion sickness, head injuries, low blood sugar, or alcohol consumption, to name a few.
Interesting fact: Around 30% of people will suffer vertigo at least once in their lives, and it’s a very common symptom among emergency patients.
How Physical Therapists in Schertz Diagnose & Treat Vertigo
Physical therapists will often treat vertigo as a symptom rather than a condition in and of itself. Causes of vertigo include ear infections, vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, head injuries, multiple sclerosis, and any other disorder that can throw off your brain’s sense of balance. Generally, your physical therapist will recommend specific exercises (and/or medication) to treat your vertigo based on your unique condition.
At Biomotion, we often recommend assisted head movement and walking, as well as one of several ‘maneuvers’ (exercises designed to address vertigo) for our patients. We’ll show you how to perform the maneuver, first by demonstrating it ourselves, and then gently showing you how to do it yourself, so that you can do it at home, as well. By performing the exercise(s) periodically—based on our prescribed treatment regimen—you should be able to effectively counter the effects of vertigo (and, even better, know what to do should the sensation return).
If you’re experiencing Vertigo in Schertz, it’s best to lie down in a quiet, dark room, and try to relax. Close your eyes and take deep breaths to ease the sensation of spinning. You should feel better within a few minutes if not hours, after which you should contact your doctor or a physical therapist in Schertz for expert treatment.
How Physical Therapists in Schertz Diagnose & Treat Dizziness
Dizziness will often get better with a couple weeks without expert treatment, as the body usually adapts to whatever is causing it. If your condition doesn’t get better—or your condition worsens—you should visit a doctor or physical therapist to recommend treatment. At Biomotion PT, our physical therapists in Schertz will generally diagnose the severity of your dizziness based on the cause of the condition that caused it, as well as your symptoms.
From there, they’ll often recommend either over-the-counter medications or balance exercise, or a mix of both. Even if no known condition or cause exists, we’ll often recommend physical therapy or other viable treatments to make your symptoms more manageable.
Treat Your Dizziness or Vertigo with Professional Treatment Today!
Are you experiencing vertigo or dizziness in Schertz or a nearby area? Can’t tell whether you’re feeling vertigo vs. dizziness? Contact the experienced physical therapists at Biomotion Physical Therapy to schedule your appointment. We’ll review your medical history and recommend a custom treatment program—specifically designed for you—to help you move freely and feel better in short time.
Contact us for expert treatment for your vertigo or dizziness today!
