Can Stress Cause Vertigo? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Can Stress Cause Vertigo and What It Is?

Vertigo is a type of dizziness that creates a sensation of movement even when a person is still. It affects the inner ear and brain, which control balance and spatial orientation. People experiencing vertigo often feel like they are spinning or that the environment around them is moving.

Vertigo Symptoms

Symptoms of vertigo vary from person to person. Some experience mild dizziness, while others suffer from intense vertigo that affects their quality of life. Common symptoms include:

• Loss of balance
• Sensation of movement or spinning
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abnormal eye movements
• Feeling of fullness in the ears
• Episodes of dizziness triggered by changes in head position

The Link Between Stress and Vertigo

Stress triggers a range of physical symptoms, including stress-induced vertigo. When stress levels rise, the body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones affect blood flow, heart rate, and vestibular function, which can lead to episodes of vertigo.

How Stress Affects the Vestibular System

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, helps maintain balance. It includes structures like the semicircular canals, which detect body movements. High stress levels can interfere with vestibular compensation, leading to dizziness and loss of balance.

Types of Vertigo Linked to Stress

Peripheral Vertigo

Peripheral vertigo is caused by problems in the inner ear. Stress can exacerbate conditions like vestibular neuronitis, labyrinthitis, and positional vertigo, making vertigo symptoms worse.

Central Vertigo

Central vertigo results from issues in the brain, including reduced blood supply or neuronal activity changes. Stress affects the nervous system and can disrupt spatial orientation, increasing the risk of dizzy spells.

Common Causes of Stress-Induced Vertigo

Several factors contribute to stress-related vertigo, including:

• Chronic stress: Prolonged stress can lead to vestibular-evoked stress responses, affecting balance and coordination.
• Anxiety disorders: People with anxiety disorders experience elevated levels of stress hormones, which may trigger dizziness and loss of balance.
• Emotional wellbeing: Stressful events like job loss, grief, or financial struggles increase the risk of vertigo attacks.
• Physical trauma: A head injury can impact vestibular function and cause dizzy spells.
• Blood pressure fluctuations: Stress-induced changes in blood pressure affect blood flow to the brain, leading to positional vertigo.

The Role of Stress Hormones in Vertigo

Cortisol levels influence the vestibular system. High stress levels alter calcium particle movement within the ear canals, disrupting balance. Elevated levels of corticosterone can also impair vestibular compensation, making recovery from vertigo episodes slower.

Can Stress Make Vertigo Worse?

Yes, stress can make vertigo worse by prolonging recovery and intensifying symptoms. Stress affects blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain and inner ear. This can increase the severity of dizzy feelings, episodes of dizziness, and abnormal eye movements.

Other Medical Conditions That Cause Vertigo

While stress plays a role in vertigo, other underlying conditions contribute to dizziness:

• Ear disorders: Conditions like vestibular disorder, vestibular neuronitis, and Meniere’s disease cause vertigo symptoms.
• Viral infections: Infections affecting the inner ear can lead to acute vertigo.
• Blood sugar fluctuations: High or low blood sugar levels may contribute to dizziness.
• Heart disease: Heart conditions affect blood supply to the brain, increasing the risk of vertigo attacks.
• Acoustic neuroma: A noncancerous tumor on the vestibular nerve can cause loss of balance and episodes of vertigo.

Managing Stress to Reduce Vertigo Symptoms

Physical Activity

Exercise improves blood circulation and reduces stress levels. Activities like yoga, walking, and swimming help control stress and enhance vestibular function.

Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

Controlled breathing and meditation lower stress hormones, reducing the risk of stress-induced vertigo.

Proper Sleep

Poor sleep affects the nervous system and increases stress. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help prevent dizzy spells.

Seeking Professional Help

A healthcare provider can diagnose stress-induced vertigo and recommend treatments such as:

• Vestibular therapy
• Medications to control dizziness
• Lifestyle modifications

FAQs

Can anxiety cause vertigo?

Yes, anxiety disorders can trigger vertigo due to increased stress hormone levels affecting the vestibular system.

How long does stress-induced vertigo last?

It varies. Some people experience short dizzy spells, while others may have bouts of vertigo lasting days or weeks.

Can controlling stress improve vertigo symptoms?

Yes, stress management techniques can help reduce episodes of dizziness and improve quality of life.

What is the connection between stress and blood pressure in vertigo?

Stress can cause blood pressure fluctuations, affecting blood flow to the brain and inner ear, leading to vertigo symptoms.

Should I see a doctor for stress-related vertigo?

Yes, if vertigo affects your everyday life, consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions and discuss treatment options.

Stress and vertigo are closely linked. Managing stress levels through lifestyle changes and medical guidance can help prevent and reduce vertigo symptoms. If you experience frequent vertigo attacks, seek professional support to improve your quality of life. Visit SAMHSA or contact us for more information.