When someone says they’re “dizzy”, they could mean several completely different things. And that matters, because the type of dizziness you have points to a different cause and a different treatment. Getting the label right is the first step to fixing it.
Vertigo
Vertigo is a false sense of movement, usually spinning. The room seems to turn, or you feel like you’re turning. It often comes in episodes triggered by head movements. The most common cause is BPPV, loose crystals in the inner ear, which responds very well to vestibular rehabilitation.
Lightheadedness
This is the feeling that you might faint or pass out, often when you stand up quickly. It’s usually about blood flow: low blood pressure, dehydration, the heat, or standing too fast. In Dubai’s climate, dehydration is a common and easily fixed culprit, though a persistent faint feeling should be checked medically.
Imbalance
This is feeling unsteady on your feet, like you might tip over, without the room spinning. It often comes from the neck, the balance system, or reduced strength and reflexes. It’s the type most linked to desk posture and to balance decline over time.
Brain fog and floating
Some people describe a vague, disconnected, “not quite here” feeling rather than any clear movement. This can be neck-driven, linked to anxiety, or part of an under-calibrated balance system.
Why does the difference matter?
Because each points somewhere different. Spinning suggests the inner ear. Faintness suggests blood flow. Unsteadiness suggests the neck or balance system. A good assessment starts by working out which one you actually have, then tests for the likely causes. Lumping it all under “dizziness” is how people end up treated for the wrong thing.
Frequently asked questions
What if I have more than one type?
That’s common, and it’s fine. A thorough assessment can separate them and address each cause.
Which type can a physiotherapist treat?
Vertigo (especially BPPV), neck-driven dizziness and imbalance all respond well to physiotherapy. Faintness from blood pressure is more of a medical matter.
How do I describe mine to a professional?
Focus on the sensation (spinning, faint, unsteady, foggy), what triggers it, and how long it lasts. That detail helps a lot.
If you’re not sure which type of dizziness you have, an assessment can pin it down and point to the right treatment. You can book a session here.
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Marcos Jusdado is a physiotherapist and osteopath at Kinesis Clinic, Vida Emirates Hills, in the heart of Dubai. With 9 years of experience and over 12,000 sessions, he specialises in sport physiotherapy, functional neurology (P-DTR), vestibular rehabilitation and chronic pain, working with everyone from busy professionals to competitive athletes. His approach focuses on finding the root cause of pain rather than just treating the symptoms, helping his patient to achieve long-lasting results.
