Can Vertigo Be Caused by Stress?

Can Stress Cause Vertigo? What are the other causes and its Prevention strategies

Vertigo is a condition in which an individual’s surroundings appear to spin or move, even when they are completely still. Though vertigo is mostly associated with issues with the inner ear, many people experience vertigo during high stress.

So, can stress genuinely cause vertigo, or does it only exacerbate pre-existing symptoms? Keep reading for a detailed answer and learn other causes of vertigo and how to manage it!

Can Stress Lead to Vertigo?

According to research and clinical experience, stress can lead to the onset or worsening of vertigo episodes. Here’s why:
 

• Due to stress and anxiety, your vestibular system (the portion of your inner ear that controls balance) may not function normally.
• This is because these conditions increase hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
• Your body's "fight or flight" response gets triggered when you're under stress, leading to side effects like vertigo and dizziness and increased heart rate and alertness.
• Stress can also worsen underlying conditions that cause vertigo, such as inner ear disorders.
• For some, stress is the primary trigger; for others, it amplifies symptoms of existing vestibular problems.
• Emotional stress can disrupt neural communication between the inner ear and the brain, leading to sensations of spinning, light headedness, or unsteadiness.
• In some cases, muscle tension in the neck and shoulders from stress can restrict blood flow to the brain, further contributing to dizziness and vertigo.

What are the other causes of vertigo?

Stress triggers vertigo, but its most common cause involves underlying brain or inner ear issues. Here are some of them:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition is caused by small calcium crystals in the inner ear shifting out of position, leading to brief spinning episodes when you move your head.
• Meniere’s Disease: Vertigo, hearing loss, and ear ringing are symptoms of Meniere's disease linked to fluid accumulation and changes in ear pressure.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Sudden and intense vertigo can be caused by inner ear inflammation, frequently caused by viral infections.
• Migraine: Some individuals experience vertigo as they already have migraines, which can lead to the spinning of the head or dizziness.
• Neurological Conditions: Although less frequent, multiple sclerosis, brain tumours, and stroke can also result in vertigo.
• Other Triggers: Vertigo episodes can also occur due to sleep deprivation, dehydration, certain medications, alcohol, caffeine, allergies, and abrupt head movements.

How Can You Prevent Vertigo Caused by Stress?

If stress is contributing to your vertigo, managing your stress levels helps lower the frequency and severity of episodes. Here are some effective strategies:

• Identify and Minimise Stressors: Recognise the triggering factors of your stress and try to reduce or eliminate these sources, such as delegating tasks or taking breaks.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga calm your nervous system and lower stress hormones. If you are experiencing vertigo due to stress, these practices will help improve your condition.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep support physical and emotional well-being, making you more resilient to stress. Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, as these can worsen both stress and vertigo symptoms.
• Talk About Your Feelings: Sharing your concerns with friends, family, or a mental health professional can help release stress. As these practices can provide relief, you can develop new coping strategies.
• Make Time for Hobbies: Engaging in hobbies or activities you enjoy can help distract your mind and lower stress levels. This can lower the risk of vertigo caused by stress.

When Is the Right Time to Call a Doctor if You Get Vertigo Episodes?

While occasional mild vertigo may not be cause for alarm, certain situations require prompt medical attention:

• Frequent or Severe Episodes: If vertigo is recurring, intense, or lasts long, it's essential to see a doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions.
• Associated Symptoms: Seek immediate help if vertigo is accompanied by chest pain, fainting, severe headache, vision changes, difficulty speaking, weakness, or numbness, as these could indicate a serious neurological or cardiovascular issue.
• Hearing Loss: An ENT specialist should evaluate persistent changes in hearing, ringing, or fullness in the ears.
• Difficulty Walking: Trouble maintaining balance or frequent falls also warrant medical assessment.
• No Improvement with Stress Management: If lifestyle changes and stress reduction do not alleviate your vertigo, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.

Stress can trigger or worsen vertigo in some individuals, but it is often a contributing factor. By managing stress, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking timely medical advice, you can reduce your risk of vertigo episodes and improve your overall quality of life.

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