Can Stress Cause Vertigo? - Is there a Link?

Stress is our body’s normal response to certain daily life challenges. However, too much stress can badly impact our physical and mental health. Sometimes stress can impact our body in an unexpected way, it makes some people feel dizzy and one of the types of dizziness is called vertigo. In this article, we will help you understand what vertigo is and how stress can cause vertigo. 

What is Vertigo? 

First, let’s understand what Vertigo is. Vertigo is a type of dizziness that makes you feel like everything around you is spinning. Vertigo isn’t considered a health condition but a symptom of underlying conditions. The conditions can range from migraine and diabetes to head injury and stress to stroke and shingles in or near your ears.  

Though stress does not directly cause vertigo, it can play a part in the dysfunction of the region of your inner ears that controls balance which is known as the vestibular system. 

How Are Stress and Vertigo Related? 

When we are stressed, our bodies release stress hormones such as cortisol in large quantities into our vestibular system. In a study conducted in 2016, researchers found that when stress hormones are low or in the normal range in people with ménière’s disease (which causes vertigo), they experience fewer symptoms. However, more studies are needed to understand the connection between stress and vertigo fully.  

What triggers vertigo? 

There are many conditions that can trigger vertigo. Stress is also one of the conditions that can trigger or worsen the existing symptoms of vertigo. Other conditions like inner ear disorders, medication side effects, anxiety, inner ear infections, etc. can also trigger vertigo. 

Types of Vertigo: Peripheral and Central 

There are different types of vertigo, however, mainly categorised into two types and these are peripheral and central. Peripheral is mostly caused by problems in the inner ear which regulates your balance. Some of the causes of peripheral disease are ménière’s disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis, and vestibular neuritis.  

Central on the other hand, originates from the brain either due to a brain disease or injury. Some of the causes include stroke, brain tumours, certain medications, etc. 

How do you get rid of stress-induced vertigo? 

There are multiple ways you can eliminate vertigo triggered by stress. If you can manage the stress level, you can conquer stress-included vertigo. Some of the effective ways to manage stress is by incorporating coping skills and healthy habits into your daily life. For example, deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a sleep routine, and regular exercise. 

Understanding your triggers also helps you in controlling your stress and thus reducing the risk of vertigo.  

The Link Between Stress and Vertigo 

Stress can manifest in an individual in multiple ways. It is also true that it can disrupt the delicate balance of the vestibular system. If an individual is experiencing chronic stress, then it can lead to heightened sensitivity to motion, causing dizziness and disorientation. 

How Stress Affects the Vestibular System 

Vestibular systems help us maintain our balance. These tiny hairs in our inner ears detect our head movement and send messages to our brains. The brain processes this information to determine which direction we are facing. Stress can corrupt this information and make us feel the surroundings are spinning or moving.  

Hormonal Impact: Cortisol and its Effects 

When we are experiencing stress, it elevates cortisol levels (a stress hormone) which can corrupt the signals sent by the tiny hairs in our inner ears and decipher it as a movement. This contributes to vertigo symptoms makes you feel dizzy and makes you vulnerable to balance disorders. 

Common Symptoms of Stress-Induced Vertigo 

Stress-induced vertigo can manifest in an individual in myriad ways. Let’s understand some of the common symptoms. 

Dizziness and Lightheadedness 

Vertigo influenced by stress often causes feelings of dizziness and lightheadedness which makes you feel as if the room or the space you are in spinning. These episodes may come suddenly and can last from minutes to hours which severely affects your ability to remain steady.  

Nausea and Vomiting 

Sometimes stress can cause the overwhelming sensation of imbalance which can trigger nausea and vomiting, as a result, it disturbs your digestive system. People experiencing this may find it difficult to eat or even move around without exacerbating their symptoms, causing further discomfort and unease. 

Balance and Coordination Issues 

As stated in the above sections, stress-induced vertigo may make one struggle with balance and coordination. This can make even a simple movement feel disoriented, leading to a further risk of fall. The sudden nature of the episodes makes the situation more challenging. 

Diagnosing Stress-Induced Vertigo 

As far as stress is concerned there are no specific diagnostic benchmarks. It can manifest in a variety of forms, such as mood changes, troubled sleeping, lack of focus, fatigue, etc. In some cases, stress may also trigger physical symptoms like vertigo, making it essential to understand the root cause and address both stress and vertigo together. 

Medical Tests and Examinations 

Medical tests and examinations often concentrate on ruling out other underlying causes. Which include vestibular tests like the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre, hearing tests, and imaging scans like MRIs to detect inner ear or brain issues. An exhaustive physical test can also help in determining if stress is the main trigger point of vertigo. 

Identifying Stress Triggers 

It is quite important to recognise and understand stress triggers. Identifying patterns, such as high-pressure work environments, personal conflicts, or lack of sleep, can help pinpoint the root cause. Keeping a stress journal or discussing lifestyle patterns with a healthcare professional aid in uncovering triggers and developing effective coping strategies. 

Treatment and Management for Vertigo 

Treatment and management for vertigo largely depends on underlying causes. Treatment options can range from medication to surgery. However, some of the treatment options for stress-induced vertigo are: - 

Therapy options 

Stress is one of the conditions that can be treated effectively using therapies. Among all therapies, psychotherapy and vestibular rehabilitation therapy are some of the most effective treatments in treating stress. Let’s understand how these therapies work. 

Psychotherapy 

Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy with a focus on identifying the underlying conditions for your stress. Under psychotherapy, the patient will be involved in communication with a mental health professional. It creates a safe and supportive space for openness and helps individuals identify negative thought patterns and change them into positive ones. It also helps one learn coping strategies to manage stress thus eliminating stress-induced vertigo. 

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) 

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy or VRT is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to treat balance disorders and dizziness, including vertigo. It involves a series of physical exercises that help retrain the inner ear which is responsible for balance. The exercises help you improve the integration between the eye and inner ear to maintain balance. 

Stress Management Techniques 

There are many ways you can reduce the stress you are experiencing. Techniques such as regular exercise, even 30 minutes of brisk walking can make a huge difference. Sleep is also an important factor that can contribute to stress, so try to get 6-8 hours of quality sleep. Other techniques to manage stress include mindful meditation, deep breath exercises, and creating a social network.  

Lifestyle Changes 

Our lifestyle plays an important role in deciding how healthy we are. Even small lifestyle changes can go a long way. Changes such as eating a balanced diet rich in minerals, fibres and vitamins, avoiding alcohol, drugs, and processed food, following good sleep hygiene, and connecting with loved ones can drastically reduce your stress level.  

Coping Strategies for Everyday Life 

Developing effective coping strategies helps you handle daily challenges with ease. From physical activity to mindfulness, these practices enhance your emotional strength and promote mental well-being. 

Exercise and Physical Activity 

If you incorporate regular physical activity into your life, it boosts endorphins, improves mood, and enhances your energy levels. Activities like walking, yoga, or even dancing can help you clear your mind and stay physically healthy. So, try at least 30 minutes of exercise in your daily routine to improve overall mental and physical well-being. 

Mindfulness and Meditation 

Mindfulness and meditation are some of the best ways to de-clutter your mind from those unnecessary worries that cause stress. When you are practising these techniques, you are learning the art of living in the present moment, which reduces stress about the past and the future. 

Healthy Sleep Habits  

Not having good quality sleep can impact our mental and physical health more than we often realise or comprehend. Quality sleep can help you maintain mental clarity and emotional balance. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a relaxing environment to promote restful sleep can regulate mood, improve your concentration, and reduce stress.  

Eliminating stressors 

By identifying and understanding the stressors that are impacting your emotional well-being, it can help you manage external pressure and can ease mental strain. Prioritising self-care and seeking support when needed ensures that stress doesn't overwhelm your day-to-day life, promoting a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. 

Overcome the Connection Between Stress, Anxiety, and Vertigo with Mindtalk 

Stress is part of our lives, and it is important for our survival. However, if you let stress take control of every aspect of your life then it can lead to many mental and physical problems, including vertigo.  

By controlling stress, you can also put an end to symptoms of vertigo. If you are looking for a partner to help you in this journey, don’t hesitate to contact Mindtalk where we can help you learn strategies to manage stress, learn coping strategies, and build resilience to navigate the challenges of stress-induced vertigo.   

FAQs

What treatments are available for managing stress and anxiety-induced vertigo? 

Treatments for stress and anxiety-induced vertigo include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, medication, and vestibular rehabilitation therapy. Consulting a mental health professional ensures personalised treatment plans for better outcomes. 

How do you get rid of stress-induced vertigo? 

To manage stress-induced vertigo, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and regular exercise. Seek professional guidance if symptoms persist to address underlying stress and balance issues effectively. 

Can lifestyle changes help reduce symptoms of vertigo caused by stress and anxiety? 

Yes, lifestyle changes like regular exercise, stress management techniques, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can help reduce symptoms of vertigo caused by stress and anxiety. 

Are there any specific exercises recommended for managing vertigo? 

Gentle exercises like the Epley manoeuvre, Brandt-Daroff exercises, and balance training can help manage vertigo by improving inner ear function and reducing dizziness. Consult a healthcare professional first.