Although vertigo usually starts with a condition in the inner ear, stress and anxiety can make it worse. Chronic stress or worry can also lead to more episodes of vertigo in the future. In stress-related vertigo, using strategies for both the body and the mind is the best way to regain your sense of balance.
But it's possible to experience vertigo-like symptoms with stress and anxiety. As with stress, anxiety also prompts the release of cortisol and adrenaline, which can trigger dizzy spells. The relationship between anxiety and vertigo can seem like a “chicken and egg” situation.
Although it is not well understood as of yet, emotional stress connected to adverse life events can be a trigger for vertigo. High levels of anxiety, stress and depression could trigger the symptoms of an underlying issue such as an inner ear condition, but they can also cause vertigo by themselves.
Dizziness due to an episode of anxiety generally doesn't last all day. It can last a little longer than the anxiety episode itself. Dizziness due to chronic worry or stress (hyperstimulation) can last all day or longer. This type of anxiety dizziness can last as long as the body is chronically stressed.
Sleep disturbances, including sleep apnea, insomnia, and sleep deprivation, have been linked to an increased risk of vertigo and dizziness. Lack of quality sleep can affect the brain's ability to regulate balance and spatial perception, contributing to these symptoms.
There may be a feeling of motion or spinning inside rather than in the environment. Sometimes there is a sense of swaying even though you are standing still. Environments like grocery stores, crowded malls or wide-open spaces may cause a sense of imbalance and disequilibrium.
Vertigo is commonly caused by a problem with the way balance works in the inner ear, although it can also be caused by problems in certain parts of the brain. Causes of vertigo may include: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – where certain head movements trigger vertigo. migraines – severe headaches.
It can also cause unpleasant side effects such as unsteadiness, dizziness and vertigo. You can experience these effects if you're feeling stressed, anxious or depressed. These emotions can trigger the symptoms of an underlying issue such as an inner ear condition, but they can also cause vertigo by themselves.
Most people with vertigo get better without treatment. Treatment will depend on the cause. A GP might prescribe antibiotics if it's caused by an infection. You could also be given exercises to do to try to correct your balance.
If you're dehydrated, you may start to feel dizzy. This feeling can cause you to also experience lightheadedness, wooziness, fairness and unsteadiness. You may also experience a very specific form of dizziness called vertigo. If you're dealing with vertigo, you may feel like everything around you is spinning.
Psychological Syndromes that can cause dizziness (Psychogenic Vertigo) Psychogenic dizziness or vertigo consists of a sensation of motion (spinning, rocking, tilting, levitating etc.) that can be reasonably attributed to a psychiatric disorder (e.g. anxiety, depression, somatization disorder).
In some cases, the actual vertigo itself neurologically impacts the autonomic nervous system and causes a heightened state of “fight or flight response.” This is called a sympathetic response and feels a lot like anxiety symptoms because it involves a hyper-alert nervous system.
If you're experiencing a vertigo attack, the best thing to do is lie down in a quiet, dark room, close your eyes, and take deep breaths. This may help ease any nausea symptoms and reduce the sensation of spinning.
Feelings of nausea often accompany prolonged episodes of vertigo. Although not usually a serious health concern, vertigo can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition and should always be evaluated by a doctor to determine what treatment, if any, is needed.
Many experts recommend that you try and sleep on your back, as the crystals within your ear canals are less likely to become disturbed and trigger a vertigo attack.
Vertigo can be temporary or permanent, depending on the patient. Those who have suffered a head or neck injury might experience chronic or long-term vertigo. Treatment may be a combination of medications and physical therapy. Although very rare, your ENT specialist may choose to recommend surgery.
Taking Vitamin D Twice a Day May Keep Vertigo Away.
Many Americans cope with high levels of stress and anxiety, which are linked to a variety of health problems. Long-term, the physical changes from chronic stress can even trigger hearing loss and other inner ear problems.
Caffeine and stimulants
Energy drinks, coffee and other stimulant-rich beverage consumption may cause a rise in blood pressure, heart rate and alertness, which might exacerbate vertigo symptoms. It is advised to minimize or limit coffee and stimulant-containing items for those who experience vertigo.