Can you get vertigo from stress 2024?

Hi there, I'm Dr. Sarah, a neurologist with over a decade of experience specializing in dizziness and balance disorders. I'm here to help you understand the complex relationship between stress and vertigo.

Let's talk about vertigo. It's more than just feeling dizzy. It's the sensation that you or the world around you is spinning, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sweating, and difficulty with balance.

Now, can stress directly cause vertigo? The answer isn't a simple yes or no. Here's why:

The Brain-Body Connection

Stress is a normal physiological and psychological response to challenging situations. When you perceive a threat, your body activates the "fight-or-flight" response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones cause a cascade of physical changes: your heart races, your breathing quickens, and your blood pressure rises. These changes can, in some people, trigger feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness, especially if the stress is sudden and intense.

Stress and Inner Ear Disorders

The inner ear plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. It contains tiny, fluid-filled structures that send signals to the brain about your head's position and movement. Certain inner ear disorders, like **benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)** or Ménière's disease, can cause true vertigo.

While stress doesn't directly *cause* these conditions, research suggests a strong link. Stress can worsen the symptoms of existing inner ear disorders, making vertigo episodes more frequent or intense. How does this happen?

* Inflammation: Chronic stress is linked to inflammation throughout the body, and this inflammation could potentially affect the delicate structures of the inner ear.
* Blood Vessel Constriction: Stress hormones can temporarily narrow blood vessels, potentially affecting blood flow to the inner ear, which could contribute to vertigo in some individuals.
* Muscle Tension: Stress often leads to muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulders. This tension can radiate upwards, affecting the head and potentially contributing to dizziness or making vertigo symptoms feel worse.

Stress and Other Contributing Factors

Here are some additional points to consider:

* Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Anxiety disorders are often linked to dizziness and vertigo-like sensations. During a panic attack, the intense fear and physical symptoms can trigger feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, and even a sense of being detached from reality (derealization), which can mimic vertigo.
* Sleep Deprivation: Stress and anxiety can disrupt sleep, and lack of sleep can worsen existing vertigo symptoms.
* Medication Side Effects: Some medications used to treat anxiety or depression can have dizziness as a side effect, further complicating the picture.

When to Seek Help

If you're experiencing recurrent or severe episodes of dizziness or vertigo, it's essential to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause. This is crucial to rule out any serious medical conditions and get the appropriate treatment.

Managing Stress is Key

While stress may not directly cause vertigo, it can play a significant role in triggering episodes or exacerbating symptoms. Managing stress through techniques like exercise, relaxation techniques (yoga, meditation), and therapy can be incredibly beneficial in managing vertigo.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I'm here to help!

Stroke, heart arrhythmias, blood pressure disorders, migraine and prescription and non-prescription drugs can cause vertigo. Depression and anxiety can also trigger this unpleasant sensation. ... In conclusion, stress can trigger vertigo and may prompt relapses of the symptom in chronic sufferers.