Can Stress Cause Vertigo? The Link Between Emotional and Physical Well-Being
Do you feel like the world is spinning around you? Many people who experience vertigo say that it feels like the room is spinning or floating. While vertigo can have many different causes, stress is one of the most common culprits. This blog post will discuss the link between emotional and physical well-being and how stress can lead to vertigo. If you are struggling with vertigo, read on for tips on managing your stress levels and finding relief!
- What is vertigo?
- What are the symptoms of vertigo?
- How can stress cause vertigo?
- How to treat vertigo caused by stress
- Ways to prevent stress-related vertigo from occurring
- Final thoughts on vertigo and stress
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is a feeling of dizziness and spinning. A problem with the inner ear often causes it. This can lead to a sense of not balancing correctly or controlling your movements. Vertigo, on the contrary, isn’t a disease. Instead, it’s a symptom of varying conditions.
There are two forms of vertigo:
Peripheral vertigo occurs when there is an issue with the inner ear.
Central vertigo develops when there is a problem with the brain. Infections, brain tumors, traumatic brain damage, stroke, or any physical trauma affecting the head are possible causes.
What is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV?)
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo develops when calcium carbonate particles collect in the inner ear canals.
These canals send information about the body’s position and movements to the brain, but the presence of the calcium particles causes the brain to misread the information.
What other inner ear disorders can cause vertigo attacks?
Impaired vestibular system
The vestibular system is the source of dizziness in around 85% of instances. Stress and anxiety disorder can contribute to the dysfunction of your vestibular system. Dizziness or vertigo can occur if any part of this system is impaired, including the vestibular nerve leading to the brain.
The vestibular system is the organ in the inner ear that regulates your balance. It consists of three semicircular canals filled with fluid and microscopic hairs. The hairs on your head can sense which way the fluid is going when you turn your head, and your brain can utilize this information to calculate which direction your head is facing.
Underneath these canals are two similar organs known as the utricle and saccule, filled with fluid and hairs and detect acceleration. The vestibular nerve transmits information from both sets of organs to your brain.
Ménière’s disease
There is no known reason for this inner ear disorder. However, some experts believe it might arise when fluid accumulates in the ear canals.
Ménière’s disease can strike quickly and without warning. It can cause dizziness, ringing or roaring in the ears, and hearing loss.
Labyrinthitis
Infections can induce inflammation in the labyrinth or inner ear. Labyrinthitis typically develops following a viral illness, such as a cold or flu.
It can be efficiently treated with antiviral and antihistamine medicines. However, due to this illness, regions of the inner ear may experience lasting damage.
What are the symptoms of vertigo?
Many people compare vertigo to motion sickness. It can make you feel like you’re spinning, rocking, or tilting. Feelings of unbalance may worsen when you stand, walk, change positions or move your head.
While dizziness and vertigo are considered body balance problems, the two symptoms are different. Dizziness is an overall feeling of being unbalanced. With vertigo, on the other hand, you have a sensation that you’re moving or that your surroundings are spinning.
Other vertigo symptoms include:
- unsteadiness
- lightheadedness
- faintness
- headaches
- nausea
- vomiting
- tinnitus
- hearing problems
- poor coordination
- difficulty seeing while moving
- abnormal eye movements
How can stress cause vertigo?
There is a clear link between emotional/mental health and physical well-being, and stress can significantly contribute to vertigo. When we feel overwhelmed or stressed, our body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can affect our balance and lead to the onset of vertigo. For instance, adrenaline activates the autonomic nervous system, preparing our bodies to run away or fight back if needed. Additionally, stress can cause us to tense up our muscles, leading to feelings of dizziness and imbalance.
Elevated amounts of stress hormones can impair neuronal information transmission from your vestibular system to your brain. These hormones are considered to alter ion channels in your nerves and neurotransmission in your brain.
When you are agitated or having panic attacks, your body releases additional substances such as histamine and neurosteroids, which may impede neurotransmission between your vestibular system and your brain.
If you are experiencing stress and vertigo, it is essential to find ways to manage your stress levels. Some helpful strategies include exercise, relaxation techniques, and journaling. It is also important to ensure that you are getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet. By taking steps to manage your stress, you can help reduce the severity of your vertigo and help control your symptoms.
How to treat vertigo caused by stress
If you are experiencing vertigo and stress, it is vital to seek medical attention. There are several treatments that can help control the symptoms of vertigo. Some common vertigo treatment recommendations include:
– Exercising regularly: Exercise can help improve your balance and reduce feelings of dizziness. It is important to choose low-impact exercises and won’t put too much strain on your body.
– Taking anxiety medication: There are several medications available that can help relieve the symptoms of vertigo. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best medication for you.
– Adjusting your diet: A balanced diet is vital for maintaining your physical and emotional health. Eating nutritious foods can help reduce the symptoms of vertigo.
– Taking supplements: There are several supplements available that can help reduce the symptoms of vertigo. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Ways to prevent stress-related vertigo from occurring
1. Understand the link between emotional and physical well-being.
2. Manage your stress levels. Relieve your stress by listening to calming music, following a schedule, meditation, and sharing your stress issues with family or someone who cares.
3. Get enough sleep.
4. Eat a balanced diet. Avoid consumption of too much caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.
5. Exercise regularly.
6. Take supplements if needed.
7. See a doctor if symptoms persist. Psychotherapy may be an effective treatment option if you’re experiencing vertigo symptoms due to anxiety disorders.
Final thoughts on vertigo and stress
It’s generally a good idea to see a doctor anytime you’ve been experiencing severe, unexplained, or reoccurring dizziness or vertigo. You should also see a doctor if your dizziness is accompanied by:
- fainting
- seizures
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
Stress and anxiety can elevate hormones like cortisol that impair the function of your vestibular system that controls your balance. There are many other causes of vertigo, including inner ear dysfunction or infection and Meniere’s disease.
If your vertigo is reoccurring or severe, you should see a doctor. They can diagnose vertigo or rule out any other cause of your symptoms. If you indeed manifest vertigo symptoms, they are the ones who can recommend the best treatment options.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/can-stress-cause-vertigo
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21769-vertigo
https://www.orthobethesda.com/blog/can-stress-cause-vertigo/
https://uihc.org/health-topics/vertigo-frequently-asked-questions
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325251
