Can Stress Cause Vertigo? Exploring the Mind-Body Connection

Can stress cause vertigo? Let me keep it simple and straight… yes… right after knowing that answer, you might want to read the relationship between stress and vertigo so that you can work on overcoming stress-induced vertigo effectively.

If you or your loved one are struggling with chronic stress, you must understand the stress and its symptoms to help in the right way.

Stress is like a silent thief robbing you of peace and sometimes life balance. Stress does not directly cause vertigo, but can significantly impact the systems responsible for our equilibrium, leading to episodes of vertigo. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered in this post. We will uncover some important facts about stress and vertigo. So, let’s get started!

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a common symptom of vestibular dysfunction (the part of the inner ear that regulates coordination and balance). It is a sensation that your surroundings are moving or spinning continuously. It can also be referred to as extreme dizziness—generally, an episode of vertigo lasts a second to a few hours. In severe cases for days, weeks, or even months.

To understand it better, imagine yourself on a merry-go-round that won’t stop spinning. This is what vertigo is. It is a sensation where you feel your surroundings moving or tilt, even when you’re still.

Common Symptoms of Vertigo:

• A spinning sensation (even when stationary)
• Fullness in the ears
• Headache
• Motion sickness
• Nausea
• Nystagmus (a condition wherein the eyes move side to side uncontrollably)
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Common Causes of Vertigo:

Scientifically, vertigo is not only caused by anxiety or stress but it can also be accompanied by other health conditions such as:

• Brain disease
• Changes in the head position are known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
• Diabetes
• Fistula (Perilymphatic)
• Headache or migraines
• Hyperventilation
• Low blood pressure
• Muscle weakness
• Viral infections
• Inner ear infections (Labyrinthitis)
• Trauma or head injuries

The Connection Between Stress and Vertigo

Some people experience vertigo when stressed. This told the researchers that there was some link between vertigo and stress. After research, professionals found that stress does not cause vertigo directly, but it impacts the vestibular system. Scientifically, when the vestibular system gets disrupted, it causes vertigo.

Recently, 5% of adults in the US reported vertigo accompanied by stress or anxiety. Study shows that when we’re stressed or anxious, cortisol levels in our body get high and it disrupts the vestibular system. This disease often goes misdiagnosed because some people refer to it as dizziness. At the same time, these terms hold different scientific meanings. In the next section, let us uncover some differences between vertigo and dizziness.

A 34-year-old graphic designer, Jennifer, recalls feeling the room spin uncontrollably after a stressful deadline. At first, she thought it was fatigue, but when she consulted the doctor, it was found that the condition was due to stress and it is stress-induced vertigo. Through therapy and relaxation techniques, Jenifer learned to manage her triggers and regained her sense of balance—both physically and emotionally.

Vertigo Vs Dizziness – Are They the Same?

Mental Health Impacts of Vertigo and Stress

Living with chronic stress can have huge impacts on overall well-being. Stress can cause health conditions like:

• Diabetes
• Head injuries
• Heart disease
• Low blood pressure
• Sleep disorders
• Obesity
• Hypertension

If you or your loved one are struggling with stress-induced vertigo, it might be a sign that you’re currently experiencing high levels of stress, and before it worsens, you must connect with a mental health professional.

Do you remember the movie Inside Out? When Riley was stressed, her emotions spiraled out just like our bodies react to chronic tension. It is like the Fear in Inside Out hijacks your equilibrium and leaves you spinning.

Treatment of Stress and Vertigo

After connecting with a professional, your professional will likely prescribe cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is one of the most effective treatment approaches for managing anxiety and stress. Research shows that CBT can also help in reducing anxiety caused by dizziness and vertigo. Apart from this, your doctor may also prescribe medications for anxiety, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics, beta-blockers, and more.

Key Takeaway: Tips to Overcome Stress-Induced Vertigo

Here are some lifestyle changes that you can adapt to overcome stress-induced vertigo effectively:

• Practice meditation regularly
• Keep body movements alive
• Try deep breathing exercises
• Maintain good eating and sleeping habits
• Track your symptoms and seek support during extremely stressful days
• Try to eliminate stressors from your life

Take Back Control

Don’t let stress spin you out of control! If you or a loved one experiences vertigo, reach out to a licensed mental health professional today. Start your journey towards a better and managed life where you understand the signs, causes and how to deal with them.

Stress can unsettle your mind and body, manifesting in conditions like vertigo. With the right tools and help, you can quickly deal with it. Remember, every storm passes—even the spinning ones.