Feeling dizzy can be unsettling. Some people describe it as spinning, others as lightheadedness, imbalance, or a floating sensation. Not all dizziness is the same, and not all dizziness is vertigo. This guide explains how to tell the difference, when dizziness may be related to an ear condition, and when medical review is important.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness where you feel a spinning or rotational sensation.
You may feel:
- As if the room is moving around you
- As if you are spinning even though you are standing still
- A sudden “tilting” or pulling sensation
Vertigo often comes from a problem in the inner ear (vestibular system), which controls balance.
Common inner ear causes include:
1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Brief spinning episodes triggered by head movements
- Common when turning in bed or looking up
- Episodes usually last seconds
2. Vestibular neuritis
- Sudden severe vertigo
- May last hours to days
- Often follows a viral illness
3. Ménière’s disease
- Vertigo episodes lasting 20 minutes to hours
- Associated with hearing loss
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Ear fullness
What Is Non-Vertigo Dizziness?
If you do not feel spinning, your dizziness may be something else.
Common descriptions include:
- Lightheadedness
- Feeling faint
- Weakness
- Unsteadiness without spinning
- “Blackout” sensation
These may be related to:
- Low blood pressure
- Dehydration
- Anaemia
- Blood sugar changes
- Heart rhythm problems
- Anxiety or panic episodes
An ENT assessment helps determine whether your dizziness is ear-related or due to another cause.
Quick Comparison: Vertigo vs Other Dizziness
|
Symptom |
More Likely Vertigo |
More Likely Other Cause |
|
Spinning sensation |
✓ |
|
|
Triggered by head movement |
✓ |
|
|
Hearing loss or tinnitus |
✓ |
|
|
Feeling faint |
✓ |
|
|
Chest pain or palpitations |
✓ |
|
|
Blurred vision before blackout |
✓ |
If symptoms do not clearly fit one pattern, medical evaluation is recommended.
When Should I See a Doctor for Dizziness?
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden severe vertigo
- Dizziness lasting more than a few days
- Hearing loss in one ear
- Persistent ringing in the ear
- Double vision
- Weakness in the face, arms, or legs
- Difficulty speaking
- Severe headache
Some causes of dizziness require urgent assessment.
How Is Vertigo Diagnosed?
An ENT specialist will:
- Take a detailed history of your symptoms
- Examine your ears and eye movements
- Perform balance tests
- Conduct positional tests (such as for BPPV)
- Arrange hearing tests if necessary
Imaging scans are only ordered if clinically indicated.
How Is Vertigo Treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
- BPPV: Repositioning manoeuvres (such as the Epley manoeuvre)
- Vestibular neuritis: Medication and vestibular rehabilitation
- Ménière’s disease: Dietary advice, medication, and monitoring
Many vertigo conditions improve with appropriate management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all dizziness considered vertigo?
No. Vertigo specifically refers to a spinning sensation. Lightheadedness or faintness is usually caused by something else.
How long does vertigo usually last?
BPPV episodes typically last seconds. Other causes may last minutes to days, depending on the condition.
Can stress cause vertigo?
Stress can worsen symptoms of dizziness, but true vertigo usually has an inner ear cause.
Is vertigo dangerous?
Most cases are not life-threatening, but some serious conditions can mimic vertigo. Medical review is important if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Should I go to the emergency department for dizziness?
Seek urgent care if dizziness is associated with chest pain, weakness, slurred speech, or severe headache.
Key Takeaways
- Vertigo = spinning sensation
- Not all dizziness is ear-related
- Head-movement-triggered spinning often suggests BPPV
- Hearing changes alongside vertigo suggest inner ear involvement
- Persistent or severe dizziness should be medically assessed
When to Seek ENT Assessment in Singapore
At Adult & Child ENT Specialists, dizziness and vertigo are evaluated through a structured clinical assessment.
Dr Soon Sue Rene, Senior Consultant ENT Surgeon, is trained in the diagnosis and management of adult and paediatric ear conditions.
Consultation includes:
- Detailed symptom review
- Ear and balance examination
- Hearing assessment if required
- Individualised treatment planning
Non-surgical treatment is preferred whenever appropriate. Further investigations are recommended only if clinically indicated.
1 Farrer Park Station Road, Connexion #14-04, Singapore 217562
+65 6970 9308
Book an appointment if you are experiencing persistent or recurrent dizziness. Early assessment helps clarify the cause and guide appropriate management.
