Scientists Examine the Origins and Causes of Chronic Dizziness

Sharon Moore April 04, 2013

In a study published in the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, researchers examined the triggers and causes of Meniere’s disease (MD) – a rare disease that can occur at any age but mostly affects people aged 40 to 60. Symptoms of this debilitating condition include vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and pressure in the ear, as well as severe dizziness.

For the study, researchers carried out telephone interviews to 20 members of the Ménière’s Society – a self-help group based in the UK for people with chronic dizziness and balance disorders. Participants gave their views and beliefs of what usually triggers symptoms of MD in relation to their personal experiences. All in all, the major risk factors as described by the patients were categorised into four – physiological, environmental, psychological, and patterns of association with triggers.

In the case of vertigo for instance, a subtype of dizziness in which a person experiences a perception of motion (usually a spinning motion), the most common triggers were stress, tiredness, meal times and specific times of the day, usually in mornings. Participants also reported to having experienced vertigo when they had to make quick head movements or whenever they are reading. Those who have been exposed to multiple triggers reported to have experienced severe vertigo.

The researchers also found that dietary restriction may also trigger symptoms of chronic dizziness in people with MD. Orthostatic hypotension, popularly known as ‘blood rush’ or ‘dizzy spell’ after standing up or stretching, is common in some participants.

Stress and Anxiety worsen the symptoms

Majority of the participants perceived stress as a major trigger of chronic dizziness. For instance, having to go through some emotionally damaging experiences, such as losing a loved one, was linked to more severe forms of dizziness.

In a 2007 study, researchers explored some of the psychological causes of chronic dizziness. One of the most common, of which, was anxiety. The lead researcher, Dr Jeffrey Staab at the University of Pennsylvania, called it ‘chronic subjective dizziness’. The team found that anxiety disorder has been linked to 60 per cent of chronic dizziness cases.

More challenges ahead for treating MD

Since then, doctors have had a hard time providing effective therapies for patients with MD. One of the most common challenges is identifying whether it is simply psychological or medical in nature because most of the time, their condition is a combination of both. Experts recommend screening patients for headaches, brain injuries, and other medical problems in addition to anxiety.

While more work needs to be done, the current study can be used as basis for future scientific explorations concerning better approaches to managing MD, as well as unexplained chronic dizziness.

Dear Readers,

Have you ever experienced chronic dizziness? What natural remedies do you know are effective in dealing with this condition?

Share your comments below!

Source of this article:

Physical and Psychological Triggers for Attacks in Ménière’s Disease: The Patient Perspective