You’ve probably heard of vertigo, and you may have even experienced it. But what is it exactly, and what causes it? Can stress make it worse?
Let’s explore answers to these questions and how you can help manage stress and get help for vertigo.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is not a distinct disease or condition in and of itself. Rather, it’s a symptom that can be associated with several conditions. Essentially, vertigo is a sensation of dizziness in which things around you seem to be spinning.
Symptoms of Vertigo
The defining symptom of vertigo is feeling like the room or environment you’re in is spinning around you. Depending on the underlying cause of your vertigo, you may experience other symptoms, including:
- Dizziness.
- Balance problems.
- Unsteadiness.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Hearing changes.
- Motion sickness.
- Fullness in your ears.
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus).
- Headache.
- Nystagmus (uncontrollable, rapid movements of your eyes from side to side).
Causes of Vertigo
There are two types of vertigo: peripheral and central. Peripheral vertigo is a result of conditions that affect the inner ear or the vestibular nerve. Central vertigo is the result of a condition involving your brain, such as a tumor or stroke. Of the two, peripheral vertigo is most common and can be associated with various conditions, including:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
This condition involves tiny calcium crystals moving out of their proper location in the inner ear, resulting in vertigo. BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo. - Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection involving swelling of both branches of the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is responsible for balance and hearing. - Vestibular Neuritis
Similar to labyrinthitis, this condition involves inflammation of one branch of the vestibulocochlear nerve. - Meniere’s Disease
This rare condition involves the buildup of fluid in the inner ear and typically includes symptoms like vertigo, hearing difficulties, and balance problems.
Vertigo and Stress: Is There a Connection?
Stress is a complex condition that can affect your body and health in various ways, including exacerbating existing conditions. Stress can also trigger vertigo or potentially make it worse.
When you are under stress, your body produces more stress hormones, triggering what is often referred to as a “fight or flight” response. This response may also include feelings of dizziness or unsteadiness.
Stress can also impact your ability to sleep and rest, which can affect your body’s ability to effectively manage conditions and function at its best. So, how can you reduce and manage stress and vertigo?
Managing Stress and Vertigo
Learning to manage stress is critical for your overall health and wellness, both mentally and physically, and may also help manage vertigo symptoms. Here are some stress management ideas:
- Start an exercise regimen that works for you. Exercise can go a long way in helping reduce stress. Consulting a provider as you create a plan is a good idea, especially if you have an inner ear condition that causes vertigo or a chronic health issue.
- Make time for sleep. Your body needs it to manage stress and recharge.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Quality time relaxing with friends and family can go a long way in improving your overall outlook and stress level.
Managing vertigo is best done in consultation with a healthcare provider, and urgent care is a good choice if you’re struggling with it. Treatment of vertigo depends on the underlying cause, and a provider can help diagnose and treat it. For example, BPPV can be diagnosed using a certain maneuver that can be performed in a clinic and relieved using a similar maneuver.
How Emerald Coast Urgent Care Can Help
Our skilled, caring providers at Emerald Coast Urgent Care can help diagnose and treat vertigo, as well as a wide range of other non-emergency conditions. If you live in the Emerald Coast area and are experiencing vertigo, don’t hesitate to visit us today.
