The Connection Between Panic Attacks and Vertigo
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort, peaking within minutes. Individuals often experience a range of physical and cognitive symptoms. Vertigo, on the other hand, describes a sensation of spinning, swaying, or feeling off-balance, distinct from lightheadedness or faintness. While seemingly distinct, these two can be directly linked.
How Panic Attacks Cause Vertigo
The body’s innate “fight or flight” response, triggered during a panic attack, involves the rapid activation of the sympathetic nervous system. This activation prepares the body for immediate action, leading to physiological changes.
Hyperventilation, a common response, involves rapid, shallow breathing that disrupts the normal balance of blood gases. Hyperventilation decreases carbon dioxide levels (hypocapnia), constricting blood vessels, including those supplying the brain. This reduction in cerebral blood flow can result in lightheadedness, dizziness, and a disorienting sensation of unsteadiness or spinning, perceived as vertigo.
Heightened heart rate and increased muscle tension also contribute to instability and disorientation. These responses create an environment where vertigo can manifest as a direct symptom of intense anxiety.
Differentiating Panic-Induced Vertigo from Other Causes
Vertigo during a panic attack typically presents alongside other characteristic panic symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest discomfort, palpitations, or sweating. This co-occurrence strongly indicates anxiety-related vertigo. The sensation often subsides as the panic attack resolves, lasting minutes rather than hours or days.
In contrast, vertigo from inner ear conditions, like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or Meniere’s disease, usually has specific triggers, durations, and accompanying symptoms. BPPV episodes are brief and often triggered by head movements; Meniere’s disease may involve hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness. Neurological conditions causing vertigo might present with distinct symptoms like vision changes or muscle weakness, generally absent in panic-induced vertigo. Context and other panic symptoms are key in distinguishing the cause.
Managing Vertigo During a Panic Attack
Immediate strategies can alleviate the distressing sensation of vertigo during a panic attack. Controlled, deep breathing is a primary technique to counteract hyperventilation and normalize carbon dioxide levels. Slow, diaphragmatic breathing can restore physiological balance and reduce dizziness.
Grounding techniques, such as focusing attention on tangible aspects of the immediate environment, can reduce feelings of disassociation. Finding a safe place to sit or lie down helps prevent falls and provides stability during the episode. Directing visual attention to a fixed, stable object can help reorient perception and reduce the spinning sensation.
When to Seek Medical Help
Seek medical evaluation if vertigo occurs without other panic symptoms, or if it is persistent and worsening. New or severe headaches accompanying vertigo, vision changes, slurred speech, or unexplained weakness or numbness warrant immediate medical attention. These symptoms could indicate underlying neurological conditions requiring prompt diagnosis.
Individuals experiencing recurrent panic attacks and associated vertigo, even if panic-induced, should consult a healthcare professional. While not life-threatening, frequent panic attacks can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life. Effective treatments for anxiety disorders, including therapy and medication, can manage symptoms and reduce the frequency and intensity of these distressing episodes.