Feeling dizzy, off-balance, or like the room is spinning is disorienting at the best of times — and when it keeps happening, it’s natural to want an explanation. Vertigo and dizziness have several common causes, and many of them respond well to physiotherapy-led assessment and treatment.
What’s the difference between vertigo and dizziness?
“Dizziness” is a broad term that can mean light-headedness, unsteadiness or a floating sensation. “Vertigo” specifically describes a false sense of movement or spinning, even when you’re perfectly still. The distinction matters, because it helps point toward the underlying cause.
Common causes we see
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) — small crystals in the inner ear become dislodged, triggering brief spinning episodes with certain head movements.
- Vestibular hypofunction — reduced function in the balance organs of the inner ear, often following a virus or unclear cause.
- Cervicogenic dizziness — dizziness linked to neck stiffness or dysfunction, rather than the inner ear itself.
- Migraine-associated vertigo — episodes of dizziness linked to migraine, sometimes without a headache present at all.
When to seek urgent care
Sudden, severe dizziness with slurred speech, facial drooping, double vision, difficulty walking or a severe headache needs urgent medical attention — call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department, as these can be signs of a stroke.
How a physiotherapy assessment works
Your physiotherapist will ask detailed questions about when the dizziness happens, how long it lasts and what triggers it, then carry out specific tests to help identify the likely cause — including positional testing for BPPV and an assessment of your neck and balance system.
What treatment can involve
- For BPPV, a repositioning manoeuvre (such as the Epley manoeuvre) to guide the dislodged crystals back into place — often providing rapid relief.
- For vestibular hypofunction, a graded program of gaze-stability and balance-retraining exercises that help your brain adapt.
- For cervicogenic dizziness, hands-on treatment and exercise for the neck alongside balance retraining.
Most vertigo has an identifiable, treatable cause — the key is getting the right assessment.
Ready to get to the bottom of it?
Book a physiotherapy assessment and start working out what’s driving your symptoms.
Dizziness can take time to fully resolve, and a home exercise program is often part of the plan. Your physiotherapist will explain what’s likely going on, agree on a plan with you, and adjust it as your symptoms change.
Learn more from independent sources: healthdirect Australia and the Australian Physiotherapy Association. Information on this page is general in nature and not a substitute for individual assessment or professional advice.
Information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for individualised advice from a registered health practitioner. Our practitioners are registered with AHPRA.