What Is The Difference Between Vertigo And Dizziness?
The terms vertigo and dizziness tend to be used interchangeably and to be confused. They are symptoms that are complex to describe and characterize. However, the truth is that they have important differences between them.
In addition, vertigo and dizziness are one of the most frequent reasons for consulting the doctor. Therefore, in this article we explain everything you need to know about both situations and how to differentiate them.
What is a balance disorder?
A balance disorder, as explained by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders , is a medical problem that causes a person to feel wobbly or dizzy. Imbalance itself is defined as the inability to maintain the center of gravity.
The equilibrium system is complex. It involves both the vestibular system (located in the ear) and muscle and joint receptors, as well as sight. All of them capture sensations that inform the central nervous system of the position of the body and its relationship with the environment.
The problem is that the symptoms that occur in these disorders are similar and ambiguous. Hence, there are problems when it comes to differentiating between vertigo and dizziness. The first is defined as the feeling that everything around us rotates or moves abruptly.
However, dizziness refers to the feeling of instability and imbalance. It is a term that is used in a popular way and that, in fact, describes the set of symptoms that are experienced. That is why some publications, such as that of the Duke University Medical Center , affirm that vertigo is a type of dizziness.
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