Stress may not be the direct cause of vertigo, but it can certainly exacerbate its severity and duration. When stressed, our bodies react by producing adrenaline and cortisol to aid our fight-or-flight response – both hormones which contribute to vertigo symptoms.
These hormones send messages that interfere with neural transmissions between your vestibular system and brain, creating vertigo or other symptoms of disorientation and imbalance.
Understanding the Link Between Stress and Vertigo
It’s not clear
Vertigo, or dizziness, is an unpleasant sensation that makes you dizzy and makes it appear that the surrounding objects are spinning or moving when they aren’t. It can make people unbalanced or even sick. People may experience vertigo on an occasional or repeated basis.
Vertigo could be caused by migraines, inner ear issues, vestibular neuronitis and anxiety disorders among many other conditions.
Stress may not directly cause vertigo, but it does appear to play an indirect role. Our bodies release adrenaline and cortisol when stressed; these hormones cause our heart rates and breathing rates to speed up, increase muscle tension, disturb sleep patterns, alter sleeping patterns and alter sense of balance – creating a vicious cycle between feeling dizzy and then worrying about it, compounded with further stress caused by this feeling.
A good night’s rest, deep breathing exercises such as box or 4-7-8 breathing techniques as well as exercising to improve fitness can all help lower stress levels as well as cortisol levels significantly.
It’s not a symptom
Vertigo, commonly experienced when relaxing at rest, can produce the feeling of spinning around in one’s own space and lead to dizziness, nausea and unsteadiness. It can be brought on by viral infections or calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear – conditions such as these often trigger vertigo attacks.
Stress may not directly cause vertigo, but it may contribute to problems in the vestibular system which controls balance. When stressed out, hormones like cortisol increase, impacting how information from inner ears reaches brain.
Meditation, yoga and other relaxation techniques can help reduce symptoms of vertigo caused by anxiety. Caffeine and alcohol consumption during times of extreme stress should also be avoided as these substances exacerbate dizziness.
If symptoms continue, visit a physician for further testing and treatment; in some cases medication may be prescribed; otherwise psychotherapy could help with dealing with anxiety issues more directly.
It’s a trigger
Vertigo, or the illusion that one’s surroundings are spinning or tilting without actually happening, can make you queasy and dizzy, lasting from seconds to days at a time.
Stress has the ability to have an adverse impact on the vestibular system, which provides vital information about balance and spatial orientation to your brain. Studies have identified an association between vertigo and stress – specifically in those experiencing co-morbidities (two chronic disorders occurring concurrently).
Researchers conducted a study which discovered that cortisol levels were elevated among people suffering from Meniere’s disease – a condition that causes dizziness, hearing loss and tinnitus – as a result of their disorder rather than because vertigo caused it.
Other causes may include migraines, BPPV (where calcium carbonate crystals build up inside semicircular canals), or cholesteatoma (an inner-ear growth). Maintaining a diary detailing when and how you experience vertigo episodes could help detect possible links.
It’s a combination
Vertigo is a type of dizziness which gives the sensation that you or the world around you is spinning, yet is not an actual illness or disease itself, but often serves as a symptom for other health conditions like inner ear issues.
Stress can increase cortisol levels, interfering with transmission between vestibular system and brain and leading to incorrect interpretation of movement and balance information by vestibular system. Therefore, to successfully treat vertigo you need to address its source rather than trying to manage its symptoms alone.
There are various strategies available to you for lowering stress levels and cortisol. Exercise, meditation and deep breathing are excellent methods of relieving tension. Avoid situations that trigger vertigo by talking with a trained psychotherapist who can also offer assistance.
Does Stress Cause Vertigo?
Indeed, stress can contribute to the dysfunction of your vestibular system, the inner ear component responsible for balance, resulting in vertigo. However, vertigo is not directly caused by stress. The relationship between stress and vertigo resembles a relentless cycle or perpetual loop, as stress can trigger vertigo and vice versa.
Elevated levels of anxiety, stress, and depression may provoke symptoms of an underlying issue, such as an inner ear condition, while also inducing vertigo on their own. Emotional triggers differ slightly from physical trauma in their ability to incite vertigo.
Although not fully comprehended at present, emotional stress associated with adverse life events can serve as a catalyst for vertigo. To prevent stress-induced vertigo, the most effective approach is to minimize stress in your life. The following methods might aid in stress relief:
– Engaging with soothing music
– Allocating time for activities that bring laughter
– Practicing meditation
– Engaging in light physical exercise
– Discussing the stressful situation with a friend or family member
If you are frequently experiencing severe or persistent vertigo, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
The doctor will examine potential underlying causes and propose necessary treatment. Concurrently, you can take measures to reduce and manage stress, which should alleviate both stress-induced vertigo and any underlying condition triggered by stress.
