Can Stress Cause Vertigo? How It Affects Seniors and Ways to Cope
About a quarter of older Americans experience vertigo and dizziness, according to a study published in the National Library of Aging. The underlying causes are diverse, but they frequently have to do with the integration of various systems in the body.
But can stress cause vertigo? The answer is a resounding "yes."
Read on to learn the causes of stress-related dizziness and how you can decrease its impact on your life.
Can Stress Cause Vertigo?
There are several common causes of vertigo among older adults. Inner issues are the most common.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is common and takes place when the inner ear canal ages. Once this happens, moving the head can cause dizziness.
Aging and inner ear health are intricately linked. Ear health and senior balance issues go hand in hand. Vertigo can also stem from:
- Fluid buildup inside the ear
- Inflammation of the inner ear
- Vestibular nerve inflammation
Other seniors contend with vertigo as cognitive decline takes a toll on their overall well-being.
Parkinson's Disease, a neurological disorder that frequently requires memory care to treat, affects coordination. This can lead to balance problems that cause dizziness.
But can stress cause vertigo, or is it the domain of serious conditions that come with aging?
Yes, it very much can. This is good news for many seniors since stress is far easier to treat than chronic conditions!
However, vertigo and stress are a vicious cycle. Those who experience vertigo regularly because of stress triggers may experience more anxiety because of the vertigo. The only way to stop the cycle is to understand the causes of stress-related dizziness and cut them off at the root.
Hormonal Triggers
When people of any age are stressed, their brains release cortisol and adrenaline. These chemicals trigger the fight-or-flight response.
When they do, the vestibular system may be negatively impacted. This system is responsible for balance. It helps seniors stay coordinated and maintain their mobility.
However, when the vestibular system comes into contact with stress hormones, it might create problems.
The vestibular system is located inside the inner ear. More cortisol than necessary disrupts signals from the inner ear to the brain. This might make older adults feel like they're spinning when they're really standing still.
About 85% of vertigo cases originate in the vestibular system.
Physical Stress-Related Vertigo Causes in Older Adults
Hormones are a physical issue that can lead to vertigo. However, the physical symptoms of stress can also cause feelings of dizziness and poor balance.
This is because stress triggers:
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Muscle tension
- Blood flow disruptions
All of these symptoms can make seniors feel dizzy. They can even cause fainting when left untreated.
Chronic stress can also make the nervous system more sensitive. This makes it more likely to trigger vertigo in response to both physical and emotional symptoms.
If you're unsure of the cause of your vertigo, looking into the symptoms of stress might help. You can examine your physical symptoms and connect them with your vertigo. This might decrease some anxiety about the causes of dizziness.
Tips for Managing Stress and Preventing Vertigo
Vertigo has a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Poor balance
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unusual eye movements
- Trouble seeing while walking
Some seniors may have different symptoms than others. Vertigo impacts different people in varying ways.
That being said, there are overarching ways that you can treat these symptoms effectively. Managing stress is one of the best ways to stop these symptoms from slowing you down.
Indulge in Relaxation
Relaxing is an important part of reducing stress. This may mean relaxing with a good book or enjoying arts and crafts as a creative outlet.
The best North Carolina assisted living community offers comfortable amenities in which to relax. Each apartment comes with cozy furniture and individual temperature control. Beyond the good sleep that comes with the apartment surroundings, seniors can enjoy community amenities like:
- TV lounges
- Game and activity rooms
- Library and reading space
Many people also enjoy deep breathing exercises. Breathing deeply gets more oxygen to the brain and opens up pathways for increased airflow.
Regular meditation can also promote relaxation. This is because meditation clears the mind and induces calm feelings.
Prioritize Health and Wellness
A balanced diet gives you the nutrients needed to decrease stress. Holistic wellness makes your body better able to manage the physical symptoms of stress, including vertigo.
Look for foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and tuna. Fruits and vegetables have vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote a healthy immune system.
Choosing healthy food can be challenging, but those in a retirement community can access wellness programs with expert-made meal plans. Chefs prepare balanced, healthy, and fresh-tasting meals.
Plus, these wellness programs also offer opportunities for exercise. From strolling outdoor walking trails to having fun with chair yoga, there are tons of different possibilities.
Practice Mindfulness
It's easy to ruminate on things outside of your control. However, doing this may cause anxiety about the future.
Practicing mindfulness means living in the present. Those who practice mindfulness get in touch with their senses and point to things they can see or hear right now.
Being mindful and enjoying the little things in life stop you from thinking too much about things that scare you. Mindfulness can keep you grounded so you can enjoy the present moment without physical symptoms of stress such as vertigo and lightheadedness.
Decrease the Impact of Stress-Related Dizziness
So, can stress cause vertigo? While it's not the only cause of vertigo, it is a contributing factor for many seniors. Now that you know how to manage it, it's time to boost your mental health and well-being at a top-notch retirement community.
TerraBella Indian Trail is committed to helping older adults thrive in North Carolina. Our relaxing amenities and outdoor spaces work to nip anxiety and depression in the bud.
Our wellness programs help to boost mental health, so contact us to learn more about them and schedule a tour. We're excited to show you what life's like in our community!