What's the Difference Between Vertigo and Dizziness?

The main types

• Vertigo: spinning, tilting or swaying when you’re actually still. It often comes from the inner ear, such as BPPV or an inner-ear infection, and sometimes from migraine.
• Lightheadedness: feeling faint or woozy, as if you might pass out. This is often linked to blood pressure dropping when you stand, dehydration, medications, low blood sugar or heart problems.
• Unsteadiness: feeling off-balance when you stand or walk, without spinning. Weak legs, reduced feeling in the feet, vision problems and inner-ear problems can all play a part.

What to tell your doctor

Words like “dizzy” mean different things to different people, so describing the details helps:

• When it started, and whether it came on suddenly.
• How long each episode lasts: seconds, minutes, hours or days.
• What brings it on, like rolling over, standing up or turning your head.
• Anything that comes with it, like hearing changes, headache or nausea.
• Any new or changed medications.

Many causes of dizziness, especially inner-ear problems like BPPV, are very treatable once the cause is clear. Some people have more than one type at once, such as spinning from the inner ear plus unsteadiness from weak legs, so each part may need its own care.

When to see a doctor

Call 911 or get emergency care if dizziness comes with:

• Slurred speech, face drooping, weakness or numbness on one side, or double vision
• A sudden, severe headache
• Fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath or a racing heartbeat
• Sudden trouble walking, or constant spinning that doesn't stop
• Sudden hearing loss in one ear

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist trained in vestibular care can test your inner ear, eye movements and balance, treat inner-ear causes like BPPV, and use exercises to help you feel steadier.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Vertigo and dizziness (BPPV) →

Related questions

• What Is the Epley Maneuver, and Can I Do It at Home?
• Why Does the Room Spin When I Roll Over in Bed?
• Is Feeling Unsteady Just Part of Getting Older?
• All patient questions

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026