Giddiness vs Dizziness vs Vertigo: Causes and Treatment Methods

Used to describe the feeling of fainting, lightheadedness or instability, the terms dizziness and giddiness are frequently used interchangeably. Vertigo, on the other hand, refers to the feeling of one’s surroundings spinning.

This article will explore the key differences between dizziness and vertigo. It’ll delve into the potential causes of these sensations and when to seek medical attention. Additionally, we’ll discuss some possible treatments for dizziness and vertigo, and address some frequently asked questions.

• Giddiness vs Dizziness vs Vertigo
• What Causes Dizziness and Vertigo?
• When to See a Doctor for Dizziness and Vertigo
• How to Treat Dizziness and Vertigo
• FAQs About Giddiness and Dizziness

Dizziness (or giddiness) is a general term to describe different sensations of disequilibrium, including imbalance, wooziness, lightheadedness and feeling you’re about to faint.

Vertigo is a more specific term that refers to the false sensation of your surroundings spinning or whirling. Both dizziness and vertigo, depending on their severity, can make someone feel challenged or afraid of moving, causing discomfort and a lack of confidence, which in turn affects their daily activities.

Understanding the causes of dizziness and vertigo can help identify the most suitable treatment methods. Learn more about the causes below.

Dizziness is often a symptom of an underlying health condition. Some potential causes can include:

Vertigo primarily arises from disorders that affect the vestibular system, located within the inner ear. This system plays a vital role in supplying the brain with crucial details regarding movement, positioning, and spatial orientation. 

Conditions affecting the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, can also lead to vertigo. Several conditions that can contribute to the occurrence of vertigo include:

If you experience frequent episodes of giddiness or dizziness that start to impact your daily life, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. Additionally, consult a doctor right away if you observe any of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Drooping of the eyes or mouth
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Blurred vision
• Persistent severe headache
• High fever
• Persistent vomiting
• Speech difficulties
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus
• Loss of consciousness
• Fainting spells

You’re recommended to schedule an appointment with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist first. Following the consultation, the ENT specialist may recommend further diagnostic tests by an audiologist to identify the cause of your condition. Examples of such tests include Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (oVEMP or cVEMP), VideoNystagmoGraphy (VNG) and Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT).

Upon completion of the diagnostic tests, the ENT specialist will review the results with you and advise on the appropriate treatment plan to address your dizzy spells or vertigo.

In most cases, dizziness tends to resolve itself within a couple of weeks due to compensation, i.e. the brain adapting to the imbalance and recalibrating itself by taking reference from your daily movements. Hence, as long as you’re in a safe and supported environment, the best ‘treatment’ for dizziness is to carry on with your everyday activities (start at a lower intensity if necessary).

However, if it persists, we recommend consulting a doctor, audiologist or neurologist who can conduct comprehensive examinations to determine the underlying cause. Your healthcare professional will create a tailored treatment plan to address both the symptoms and the cause.

These are some of the potential treatments that may be recommended:

It’s an effective way of treating vertigo caused by Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). In the vestibule (the balance system in our inner ear), crystals play a crucial role in detecting our motion. However, when these crystals are dislodged and fall into the semicircular canals, inaccurate signals may be sent to the brain, resulting in vertigo.

To address this issue, Epley maneuver, a series of simple head and body movements, will be carried out to reposition the dislodged crystals back to their respective position. The maneuver may need to be done multiple times to remove all the crystals from the canals and fully resolve the symptoms of vertigo.

For individuals experiencing persistent or recurrent vertigo caused by Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), advanced treatment options such as TRV chair therapy may be recommended.

While traditional repositioning techniques like the Epley manoeuvre are effective for many patients, some cases, especially those involving complex canal involvement or recurring symptoms, may require more precise intervention.

At Hearing Partners (Camden Medical), we offer TRV chair treatment, designed to:

• Accurately diagnose and treat different types of BPPV
• Deliver precise, controlled repositioning of inner ear crystals
• Improve treatment success rates for difficult or recurrent cases
• Reduce discomfort compared to manual repositioning techniques

Unlike manual manoeuvres, the TRV chair allows audiologists to guide patients through 360-degree movements with high precision, ensuring that dislodged crystals in the inner ear are effectively repositioned.

This treatment is particularly beneficial for:

• Patients who do not respond fully to the Epley manoeuvre
• Individuals with mobility limitations (e.g. elderly patients, neck/back concerns, obesity)
• Complex or multi-canal BPPV cases

If your vertigo symptoms persist despite initial treatment, a comprehensive assessment at Hearing Partners can determine if TRV chair therapy is suitable for you.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a tailored treatment for individuals experiencing dizziness, whether it’s caused by inner ear conditions, central issues, age-related degeneration or long duration of inactivity and sensory deprivation. It’s based on the concept of compensation – by enhancing vision and postural stability and promoting vestibular adaptation – to resume daily functions and movements.

VRT is usually carried out by a trained physiotherapist or healthcare professionals who specialise in vestibular rehabilitation. It incorporates various exercises such as eye movement control, balance retraining, and stretching and strengthening exercises.

Medications are usually prescribed based on the severity of your symptoms and the cause of the vertigo. Betahistine is the most commonly prescribed medication to relieve vertigo and other inner ear symptoms such as tinnitus and hearing loss.

Antibiotics or steroids would be prescribed if the vertigo is found to be caused by inflammation or infection. 

On the other hand, diuretics are usually prescribed for Ménière’s disease to control fluid buildup in the balance organs. Medication may also be given to reduce the anxiety caused by the dizziness.

Addressing your feelings of dizziness can be achieved by making simple lifestyle changes. Whether it’s practising stress relief techniques or moderating your intake of substances such as caffeine and alcohol, these adjustments can play a crucial role in reducing the frequency of your dizzy spells.

Don’t be afraid of movements; the less mobile you are, the longer it takes to overcome the dizziness. Start with low-intensity movements that you’re confident with and ensure your safety by having structural support with you, like a walking stick or a family member.

After building the confidence and strength for greater movements, slowly introduce activities that encourage quick head movements and changes in directions. Just like VRT, the goal is to resume your daily functions and movements, so try your best to move about.