Can Stress Cause Dizziness?

Blurred photo of woman suffering from vertigo or dizzines

We all know what it feels like to be stressed out. We feel wound up and get impatient; our minds are constantly racing, and we become overwhelmed by everything we have to do. But does stress make us feel dizzy, too?

In this post, we’ll discuss the connection between stress and dizziness, the other potential causes of dizziness, and when being dizzy means you should see your doctor or go to the ER.

The Link Between Stress and Dizziness

Vertigo, a type of dizziness that makes you feel as though you or your surroundings are moving or spinning, is caused by error messages being between your eyes, ears, limbs, and brain. Any lifestyle factor that is said to cause a person to get overwhelmed or fatigued can cause vertigo.

The link between stress and vertigo is similar to a vicious cycle or endless loop, in that stress can trigger vertigo and vice versa. When a person gets stressed, they experience a burst of cortisol – a hormone involved in flight-or-fight response – which affects the part of the brain that controls balance (vestibular system). In turn, the person feels off-kilter, as though they’re on a boat. Correspondingly, a person experiencing vertigo can feel anxious and stressed.

Treating stress-related dizziness usually involves managing stress itself. That might mean making lifestyle changes like getting more exercise or practicing relaxation techniques. Other ways to relieve stress include seeking counseling or therapy to help you deal with stressful situations in a more constructive way. If your dizziness is severe or isn’t relieved with self-care, you may need medications.

Other Potential Causes of Dizziness

The causes of dizziness run the gamut, ranging from annoying-but-harmless conditions to potentially life-threatening ones which warrant emergency care. The following are some of the other possible causes of dizziness:

  • Anemia
  • Changes in your head’s position, such as sitting or standing up right away after lying down
  • Dehydration
  • Ear infection
  • Heart attack
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Medications
  • Meniere’s disease – a disorder of the inner ear that can affect both your balance and hearing
  • Migraine
  • Motion sickness
  • Stroke
  • Too much exercise

When to See a Doctor for Dizziness

You should schedule an appointment with your doctor if:

  • Dizziness is accompanied by headaches, fatigue, and/or difficulty concentrating.
  • You’re experiencing severe or prolonged unexplained dizziness.
  • Dizziness is not eased with lying down or if it’s compromising your state of balance.

Seek emergency care if dizziness is accompanied by sudden and severe headache; vision loss or double vision; or chest pain.

Treatment for Dizziness in Farmington Hills, MI

If you’re seeking treatment for dizziness within the Farmington Hills area in Michigan, visit us here at Associates in Neurology for a consultation with one of our board-certified neurologists. We will carry out a comprehensive assessment to get to the bottom of your problem and craft a treatment plan that will effectively help you feel better and restore your quality of life.

Book your visit with one of our providers today by calling our staff at (248) 478-5512 or filling out this appointment request form. We’re eager to serve you!