Lightheadedness vs Vertigo

Vertigo is a sensation that comes on suddenly and makes the patient feel like they are spinning or that the inside of their head is spinning. Some other symptoms associated with this condition include dizziness, loss of balance, nausea, and vomiting (Mayo Clinic, 2018).
The cause for this condition may be unknown. Possible causes of this condition could be related to a blow to the head, damage to the inner ear, or an association to migraines. If this condition has a severe headache, vision changes, a fever, extremity weakness, or trouble speaking with it, seeking medical attention is warranted. If the patient mentions these other symptoms, a referral would be appropriate (Mayo Clinic, 2018).
Some treatment options for vertigo include canalith repositioning and surgical interventions, Canalith repositioning is the process of slowly positioning the head in different ways. The hope of this process is to help loose particles return to the semicircular canals of the inner ear. Surgery could be used to add a bone plug to the inner ear where the dizziness is originating (Mayo Clinic, 2018).
Lightheadedness
Feeling lightheaded differs from vertigo in that lightheadedness is more a feeling of being dizzy or that one might faint. If someone has this feeling mixed with severe headache, vision changes, slurred speech, seizures, chest pain, or extremity numbness or weakness, seeing a provider is necessary. The causes of dizziness range from inner ear troubles, to medication reactions, possible cardiac conditions, infection, or even blood sugar related issues. Determining the cause of dizziness is needed in order to determine the best possible treatment needed. Treatment could be related to medication education or alteration, treating blood sugar, or treating something else (Mayo Clinic, 2018).