Dizziness, vertigo, and light headedness are not the same

Many people use “dizzy” to describe a wide range of sensations, but the details matter. Clear language helps your clinician narrow down likely causes and choose the right tests and treatment.

Vertigo (spinning or movement sensation)

Vertigo is the feeling that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning, even when you are still. It is commonly linked to inner ear causes such as BPPV, vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, or Meniere’s disease, and sometimes migraine or neurological causes.

Common clues:

• Triggered by rolling in bed or looking up
• Nausea
• Eyes feel like they cannot settle
  
  

Light headedness (faint or floaty)

This can feel like you might pass out, or like your head is “empty”. Causes vary and can include dehydration, blood pressure changes, medication effects, heart rhythm issues, and other medical factors.

Imbalance or unsteadiness

Some people do not spin, but feel off balance, veer while walking, or struggle in low light. That can be related to vestibular function, neurological pathways, strength, vision, proprioception, or a combination.

“Fogginess”

A foggy, disconnected feeling can be linked to vestibular dysfunction, migraine patterns, anxiety responses, concussion history, sleep disruption, or persistent nervous system sensitivity.

Why the distinctions matter

A targeted vestibular assessment often looks at:

• Triggers (position changes, head turns, visual environments)
• Eye movement responses
• Balance reactions
• Neck movement tolerance
• Symptom patterns over time

This approach helps avoid guesswork and speeds up the pathway to a management plan.

Next step

If dizziness is affecting your day-to-day life, do not wait for it to “just pass”.
Book a structured assessment now.

Call 06 7574 898 or visit rehabtaranaki.co.nz.

Safety note: If symptoms are sudden or severe, or you suspect stroke, call 111.