What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo?

Dizziness and vertigo are related symptoms, but they are not the same thing.

Dizziness is a general term used to describe a feeling of unsteadiness, lightheadedness, or a loss of balance. It can be caused by a number of factors, including low blood pressure, poor circulation, dehydration, and certain medications. Dizziness can be accompanied by a number of other symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, or nausea.

Vertigo, on the other hand, is a specific type of dizziness that is characterized by a spinning sensation or the feeling that the environment is moving or spinning around you, even though you are standing still. Vertigo is often caused by a problem with the inner ear, such as an inner ear infection, or by a problem with the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for sending signals about balance and spatial orientation to the brain.

In summary, dizziness is a general term used to describe a feeling of unsteadiness or lightheadedness, while vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by a spinning sensation.