Understanding Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Causes & Differences

The causes of dizziness and lightheadedness can vary greatly. However, dizziness and lightheadedness are actually two different things. Feeling dizzy is the sensation of movement, either the person or their surroundings, while lightheadedness is feeling of about to pass our or faint and may include feeling dizzy.

Inner Ear Causes

• Vertigo and inner ear disorders, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can cause intense episodes of dizziness often brought on by changes in position. Dizziness can be a result of Meniere's disease, which causes a build up of fluid in the inner ear.

Temporary Causes

• Lightheadedness may be a result of illness, such as the flu, colds or from hyperventilation. Using tobacco or illegal, prescription and over the counter drugs can increase feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness.

Psychological Causes

• Agoraphobia, panic attacks and hyperventilation can reduce the normal amount of carbon dioxide in the body and result in dizziness and lightheadedness.

Neurological Causes

• Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches and any disease that affects the cerebellum or frontal lobes of the brain can contribute to dizziness.

Medical Condition Causes

• Cardiopulmonary disease, hypothyroidism, anemia or a stroke can all invoke dizziness, as can diabetes and even a brain tumor.