Vertigo & Dizziness

Identifying Vertigo vs Dizziness

Vertigo is a condition that causes a false sensation of spinning or movement, even when your body and surroundings are completely still. Unlike general dizziness, which may feel like lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or disorientation, vertigo creates the distinct feeling that either you or the environment is rotating.

Vertigo symptoms typically occur when there is a disruption in the vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial orientation. This often involves the semicircular canals of the inner ear, the brainstem, or other parts of the balance network in the brain. When these systems send conflicting signals about movement and position, the brain struggles to interpret the information correctly.

As a result, individuals may experience sudden (acute) vertigo episodes or symptoms that develop gradually over time. Common effects include spinning sensations, balance problems, nausea, posture changes, and coordination difficulties, all of which can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo symptoms can be unsettling and may significantly interfere with your daily life. Many people describe vertigo as a spinning sensation that affects balance, vision, and overall stability. If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, you may be dealing with vertigo or a vestibular disorder:

Spinning sensation (nystagmus) – A feeling that the room is moving, spinning, or rotating around you.

Nausea and vomiting – Often triggered by head movement, visual stimulation, or changes in position.

Difficulty driving or navigating busy environments – Places like grocery stores, parking lots, or crowded areas may worsen dizziness and disorientation.

Migraines and headaches – Vertigo is frequently associated with migraine activity and head pain.

Neck pain and stiffness – Dysfunction in the cervical spine can send incorrect sensory signals to the brain, contributing to dizziness.

Lightheadedness when standing – Feeling faint or unsteady when transitioning from sitting to standing.

Hearing changes or tinnitus – Ringing in the ears, pressure in the ear, or reduced hearing may occur with vestibular dysfunction.

Visual disturbances – Blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or abnormal eye movements can accompany balance problems.

Unsteadiness when walking (gait imbalance) – Feeling off balance, unstable, or disconnected from your body during movement.

Emotional effects – Chronic vertigo can contribute to anxiety, confusion, or depression due to ongoing symptom

Our Approach

At The Cortex Chiropractic, our doctors focus on identifying the root cause of vertigo and dizziness—whether it stems from concussions, head trauma, sports injuries, car accidents, migraines, neck dysfunction, or underlying neurological imbalances. When appropriate, we also perform the Epley maneuver, a highly effective technique used to treat certain types of positional vertigo.

Through a comprehensive assessment, we create personalized treatment plans designed to improve balance, restore brain-body communication, and help you regain stability and confidence in your daily activities.

What Causes Vertigo and Dizziness?

There are many potential causes of vertigo and chronic dizziness, ranging from common inner ear conditions to more complex neurological or metabolic issues. While Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common and highly treatable forms of vertigo, symptoms can also develop from problems affecting the vestibular system, brain, neck, or overall health.

Understanding the underlying cause of vertigo is essential for proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Some of the most common causes and contributing factors include:

Head injuries and concussions – Trauma from sports injuries, falls, or car accidents can disrupt the brain’s balance centers and lead to persistent dizziness.

Vestibular dysfunction – Imbalances within the inner ear and vestibular system can interfere with how the brain processes movement and spatial orientation.

Eye movement and coordination problems – Poor coordination between the eyes and the brain may cause abnormal eye movements, blurred vision, and dizziness.

Cervical spine (neck) dysfunction – Neck injuries, stiffness, or poor joint function can send incorrect balance signals to the brain and contribute to vertigo symptoms.

Cerebellar or brainstem dysfunction – These areas of the brain are responsible for coordination, balance, and posture, and disruptions can lead to vertigo or gait instability.

Migraines and vestibular migraines – Many individuals experience dizziness or vertigo related to migraine activity, even without severe head pain.

Environmental factors – Exposure to mold, toxins, or heavy metals may contribute to neurological and vestibular symptoms in some individuals.

Metabolic and lifestyle factors – Diet, dehydration, blood sugar fluctuations, and systemic health imbalances can influence dizziness and balance function.

Because vertigo and dizziness can have multiple underlying causes, a comprehensive neurological and vestibular evaluation is essential to determine the source of symptoms and develop an effective, personalized treatment.

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