Key Takeaways
- Dizziness is a broad term that includes various sensations, such as lightheadedness, unsteadiness, and vertigo.
- Causes of dizziness may stem from the inner ear (peripheral), the brain (central), or other medical factors like anxiety or dehydration.
- Accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the underlying cause. At Saldo Rehabilitation, this process may involve oculomotor testing, balance evaluation, and positional tests using tools like Frenzel goggles.
- Vestibular rehabilitation is a personalised, evidence-based approach that can help manage conditions like BPPV, visual vertigo, vestibular hypofunction, and motion sensitivity.
Introduction
You’ve probably come across the terms ‘dizziness’ and ‘vertigo’, but do you really know what the difference is between the two? While they’re often mentioned together, vertigo is actually a specific type of dizziness marked by a false sensation of spinning or movement. Understanding how these two terms are related can help you pinpoint what’s going on and find effective relief.
In this article, we’ll break down what dizziness and vertigo are, explore their possible causes, and outline how Saldo Rehabilitation can help you regain your balance and confidence.
What is Dizziness?
‘Dizziness’ is an umbrella term that describes a range of sensations, from feeling lightheaded and faint to feeling unsteady or wobbly. It can be categorised into four main types:
- Vertigo: A false sense of spinning or movement, as if you or your surroundings are rotating.
- Disequilibrium: Unsteadiness or imbalance when standing or walking, without the sensation of spinning.
- Presyncope: Feeling faint or light-headed
- Lightheadedness: A sensation of feeling ‘floaty’, foggy, or mentally disconnected.
So, while many people think of dizziness and vertigo as separate issues, it’s important to note that vertigo is actually a type of dizziness. Understanding this distinction can help you describe your symptoms more clearly.
Common Causes of Dizziness
Dizziness may stem from issues in the inner ear, brain, visual system, circulatory system, or psychological health. These causes are typically grouped into:
Peripheral Causes (Inner Ear and Vestibular System)
These involve dysfunction in the inner ear, which sends signals to the brain about motion and spatial orientation. Common peripheral causes of dizziness include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Vestibular Migraine
- Unilateral or Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction
- Motion Sickness
- Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
- Visual Vertigo
Central Causes (Brain and Neurological)
These originate in the central nervous system, typically the brainstem or cerebellum. Common examples include:
- Stroke
- Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Brain Tumours
- Post-Concussion Syndrome
- Central Vestibular Disorders
Other Medical and Systemic Causes
These causes lie outside the vestibular system but can still lead to dizziness or unsteadiness:
- Orthostatic Hypotension
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar)
- Anaemia
- Dehydration
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks
- Medication Side Effects
Assessment at Saldo Rehabilitation
At Saldo Rehabilitation, we perform comprehensive, evidence-based assessments to pinpoint the likely cause of dizziness and vertigo. Our goal is to distinguish between peripheral and central causes, identify any red flags, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.
The process includes:
- Evaluation of Subjective History: We will arrange for a consultation to understand your symptoms (onset, duration, triggers, and patterns). This will help us identify likely causes and rule out red flags.
- Central Sign Screening: This includes checks for double vision, facial weakness, speech changes, and limb coordination to rule out central pathologies.
- Visual and Oculomotor Testing: If peripheral causes are suspected, our doctors will evaluate your eye movements to assess brain and inner ear coordination.
- Balance and Gait Evaluation: This includes simple standing tests and walking tasks to determine how well you can balance while moving, assessing your fall risk.
- BPPV Screening with Frenzel Goggles: We use Frenzel goggles to observe involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) that may be hidden during standard examinations. This helps accurately identify conditions like BPPV.
If the assessment suggests a non-vestibular cause, we facilitate referrals to ENT, neurology, cardiology, or psychology as appropriate. For individuals with a confirmed vestibular diagnosis, we develop a personalised vestibular rehabilitation therapy programme tailored to their specific needs and goals.
What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialised approach that helps retrain the brain to adjust and compensate for vestibular or balance-related dysfunction. Depending on your condition, we may incorporate the following:
- Gaze Stabilisation: Exercises that train your eyes to maintain clear vision during head movements. These are especially important when reading, walking, or turning your head.
- Balance Training: Activities designed to improve postural control in different environments—such as uneven surfaces, dark settings, or busy visual backgrounds—while reducing fall risk.
- Habituation Exercises: Gradual exposure to motion or positions that trigger symptoms. This helps desensitise the brain and reduce dizziness over time.
- Repositioning Manoeuvres: Specific head movements, such as the Epley or Semont manoeuvre, are used to treat BPPV by relocating displaced crystals within the inner ear.
- Optokinetic Exercises: Visual exercises using moving patterns (like stripes or scrolling text) that help reduce visual motion sensitivity. These are especially beneficial for conditions such as visual vertigo, motion sickness, vestibular migraine, and PPPD.
Navigating Dizziness and Vertigo with Saldo Rehabilitation
Dizziness and vertigo can be disruptive, but with the right support, they can be managed effectively. Whether you’re dealing with visual vertigo, BPPV, or ongoing motion sensitivity, understanding the cause is the first step toward regaining a sense of control.
At Saldo Rehabilitation, our team of therapists and vertigo specialists will work closely with you to assess your condition and provide tailored strategies that support better balance and day-to-day function. Our goal is to help you move with more confidence and comfort, so you can get back to the activities that matter most.
Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
