Understanding Vertigo and Dizziness: A Guide to Finding Balance

Ever Felt Like the World Is Spinning?

You know that sensation—like you’re on a merry-go-round that just won’t stop? Maybe it hits you when you roll over in bed, stand up too fast, or even in the middle of your day. That feeling of dizziness or vertigo can be unsettling, and for many, it’s more than just a minor annoyance—it can significantly impact daily life.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why is this happening? And how do I stop it?”, you’re not alone. Let’s break down what’s really going on when you experience dizziness or vertigo, and more importantly, what you can do to find relief.

What Exactly Is Dizziness, and How Is It Different from Vertigo?

Many people use the words dizziness and vertigo interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Dizziness is a general term for feeling lightheaded, off-balance, or woozy. Vertigo, on the other hand, is more specific—it’s the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning, even when you’re perfectly still.

Common Causes of Vertigo and Dizziness:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause triggered by certain head movements—like turning over in bed.

• Vestibular Neuritis: A viral infection that causes sudden, severe vertigo.

• Meniere’s Disease: A buildup of fluid in the inner ear causing episodes of vertigo, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss.

• Vestibular Migraine: Yes, migraines can cause vertigo too!

• Orthostatic Hypotension: Feeling lightheaded when you stand up too quickly.

Sometimes, these episodes are short-lived. Other times, they can persist for months, affecting your balance, energy, and quality of life.

When Dizziness Becomes Chronic: Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)

If dizziness and imbalance seem to linger for weeks or even months, you might be dealing with something called Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD). PPPD often kicks in after an initial vestibular event (like an inner ear infection or vertigo attack) and can become chronic if left untreated.

What Does PPPD Feel Like?

• A constant sense of dizziness or unsteadiness, especially when you’re walking or standing.

• Symptoms that worsen in visually stimulating environments—think crowded places, busy streets, or even scrolling on your phone.

• A fear of falling or feeling “off balance,” even if everything checks out fine physically.

Interestingly, PPPD is often tied to anxiety and over-awareness of body sensations—like being stuck in a cycle where your fear of dizziness actually makes it worse. It’s more common in women and often occurs after a vestibular event, concussion, or period of prolonged stress.

Why Vestibular Dysfunction Can Feel So Overwhelming

Dizziness and vertigo aren’t just physical sensations—they can take a real toll on your mental health, too.

For example:

• It’s common to feel anxious or even depressed when dealing with chronic dizziness. Who wouldn’t feel unsettled if they couldn’t trust their balance?

• Conditions like fibromyalgia and medically unexplained symptoms (MUPS) often overlap with vestibular disorders. This connection can make it tricky to pin down a cause, but it also highlights how the body and mind work together.

Think of it like this: Your brain and body rely on signals from your ears (vestibular system), eyes, and muscles to keep you upright and balanced. When one system falters—say, due to an inner ear issue—your brain works overtime to compensate. Over time, this can make you hypersensitive to motion, light, or even just standing still.

What Can You Do About It? (Hope Is on the Way!)

The good news? Vertigo and chronic dizziness are treatable. While the right approach depends on what’s causing your symptoms, here are some options that have helped many people regain balance and confidence:

1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

This is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to retrain your brain and body to adapt to vestibular dysfunction. Exercises often include head and eye movements, balance training, and even habituation exercises to reduce motion sensitivity.

VRT can help:

• Improve your balance

• Reduce dizziness triggered by movement

• Build your confidence to navigate busy or challenging environments

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

When anxiety and dizziness feed off each other, CBT can help break the cycle. By addressing fear-based thoughts and teaching grounding techniques, CBT can make a huge difference for conditions like PPPD.

3. Medications (Short-Term Relief)

• Antiemetics or antihistamines can help with nausea and spinning sensations, but they’re usually short-term fixes.

• SSRIs or SNRIs have shown success for persistent dizziness linked to anxiety and PPPD.

Important: Medications should be used carefully, as over-reliance can sometimes delay recovery.

When to Seek Help

If dizziness or vertigo is interfering with your daily life, it’s time to seek support. Signs to watch for include:

• Persistent dizziness that lasts weeks or months

• Episodes of spinning sensations (vertigo)

• Feeling off-balance, especially in busy or stimulating environments

• Nausea, headaches, or fatigue alongside your dizziness

Your healthcare provider can assess your symptoms, rule out serious conditions, and guide you toward effective treatments like vestibular rehab, therapy, or medication.

Final Thoughts: Regaining Your Balance

Living with dizziness or vertigo can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. By understanding what’s happening in your body, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of dizziness, and exploring treatments like vestibular rehabilitation, you can take meaningful steps toward recovery.

Remember: Balance isn’t just about standing steady on your feet—it’s about regaining control, confidence, and comfort in your daily life. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out. Relief is closer than you think.

Want to learn more about how vestibular therapy or CBT can help you? Contact us today to schedule a consultation!