Overview

What Are Dizziness and Balance Disorders?

People can experience dizziness or feeling off-balance in a variety of ways. The sensation has been described as being lightheaded, heavy-headed, unsteady, spinning or feeling motion sick, even when not moving.

Dizziness

Dizziness is not a disease itself, but a symptom of another underlying condition. When you feel dizzy, you likely feel one of two sensations:

• Lightheadedness: A feeling that you may pass out
• Vertigo: A feeling that your surrounding is spinning, even if it is not moving

Balance disorders

A balance disorder is a disturbance that makes you feel unsteady, woozy or have the sensation of moving, spinning or floating.