Dizziness and Vertigo

Dizziness and vertigo are among the most common complaints in medicine — affecting millions of Americans each year and ranking as one of the top reasons people visit their doctor. Though often used interchangeably, the two terms describe distinct experiences: dizziness refers broadly to feelings of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or faintness, while vertigo is the specific, often disorienting sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when they are not. Both can range from a fleeting annoyance to a debilitating condition that interferes with walking, working, and daily life. The causes are wide-ranging — from inner ear disorders like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Ménière's disease, and vestibular neuritis, to cardiovascular conditions, migraines, medication side effects, neurological disorders, and anxiety. Because so many different conditions can produce dizziness and vertigo, accurate diagnosis is essential — and often requires collaboration between primary care, neurology, otolaryngology, and other specialists. The good news is that most causes are treatable: simple repositioning maneuvers can resolve BPPV in minutes, vestibular rehabilitation therapy can restore balance in chronic cases, and targeted medical or surgical treatment can address underlying conditions — helping most people reclaim their stability and confidence.