Dizziness Explained: BPPV vs Vertigo vs Blood Pressure Drops (Complete Guide)
- Ben Proctor
- Feb 13
- 2 min read
Why This Matters
Many people search:
“Why am I dizzy?”
“Why does the room spin?”
“Why do I feel faint when I stand?”
These symptoms can come from very different causes, so understanding which type you have is essential.
Quick Comparison
Feature | BPPV | Vertigo | Postural Drop |
Spinning | Yes | Yes | No |
Triggered by head movement | Yes | Often | No |
Triggered by standing | No | No | Yes |
Duration | Seconds | Minutes–hours | Seconds |
Cause | Ear crystals | Multiple | Blood pressure |
Root Causes Explained Simply
BPPV: misplaced ear crystals sending false signals
Vertigo: disturbance in balance system
Postural drop: temporary drop in brain blood flow
Which Is Most Common?
Most dizziness seen in community physiotherapy falls into three categories:
BPPV
Postural hypotension
Vestibular disorders
Which Is Most Treatable?
All three can improve significantly with correct diagnosis and treatment:
BPPV → repositioning manoeuvres
Postural drop → Medication management and hydration + circulation strategies.
Vertigo → targeted rehab
Biggest Risk if Ignored
Untreated dizziness increases risk of:
falls
fractures
loss of confidence
reduced independence
When To Seek Urgent Care
Seek immediate medical help if dizziness occurs with:
chest pain
fainting
weakness
speech problems
severe headache
Final Takeaway
Dizziness isn’t a diagnosis — it’s a clue.The key to recovery is identifying which type you have and getting the right treatment and support with this.
About Physio@Home
If you're finding recovery from injury, surgery, illness, or a fall more challenging than expected, professional support in the comfort of your own home can make all the difference. At Physio At Home, we specialise in expert home visit physiotherapy across Mid Cornwall — including Truro, Falmouth, Penryn, Helston, Perranporth, Feock, St Agnes, and surrounding areas. Our HCPC-registered and experienced physiotherapists provide personalised assessments, tailored rehabilitation plans, mobility and balance training, and practical advice to help you regain strength, confidence, and independence without the hassle of travelling to a clinic. Ready to move better and feel better right where you live? Visit https://www.physioathome.uk/
Comments