Vertigo is the unsettling sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when no actual movement is occurring. This type of dizziness can be highly disorienting, prompting sufferers to look for simple relief measures, including the anecdotal remedy of chewing gum. We will explore the physiological roots of vertigo and the scientific plausibility of using chewing gum as an effective measure.
Understanding the Causes of Vertigo
The body’s sense of balance is regulated by the vestibular system, housed primarily within the inner ear. This system senses gravity and motion, relaying information to the brain where it is integrated with visual input and proprioceptive input from the joints and muscles. Vertigo results when there is a mismatch or disruption in these signals.
The causes of vertigo are broadly categorized as peripheral or central. Peripheral vertigo, the most common form, stems from problems in the inner ear or the vestibular nerve. Examples include Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), caused by displaced calcium crystals, and Meniere’s disease, involving fluid buildup. Central vertigo arises from issues within the brainstem or cerebellum, often involving serious neurological conditions.
How Chewing Action Might Influence Balance
The physical action of chewing gum is theorized to influence balance through two primary mechanisms. The first involves the mechanics of pressure equalization within the middle ear. The middle ear is connected to the back of the throat by the Eustachian tube, which opens periodically to regulate air pressure.
Chewing and swallowing activate muscles in the throat, which helps to open the Eustachian tubes. This action can alleviate symptoms related to Eustachian tube dysfunction, such as ear fullness, popping, and positional dizziness known as ear barotrauma, which is common during air travel. Since some forms of vertigo can be linked to pressure imbalances in the inner ear, this mechanism offers a plausible, though indirect, link to relief.
The second proposed mechanism is sensory distraction. The repetitive, rhythmic motion of chewing gum provides a predictable sensory input to the brain. This routine input can help distract the brain from the conflicting or confusing signals it is receiving from the inner ear, which cause the vertigo sensation. By providing a focal point, the chewing action may also help the brain stabilize its perception of motion and improve postural control.
Scientific Evidence and Practical Efficacy
Despite the plausible theories, strong scientific evidence supporting chewing gum as a direct treatment for clinical vertigo, such as BPPV or Meniere’s disease, is limited. Effective treatments for these conditions involve physical maneuvers, like the Epley maneuver for BPPV, or medications to manage fluid levels and inflammation. However, some research suggests that the act of chewing can transiently improve postural stability during upright standing in patients with chronic balance disorders.
The efficacy of chewing gum is robustly supported for preventing or alleviating motion sickness, which is often confused with true vertigo. Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the eyes and the inner ear, typically during travel. Chewing gum helps motion sickness in a few ways, including increased saliva production, which can settle an upset stomach, and the sensory distraction of the chewing motion. Peppermint or ginger-flavored gums are often recommended because these ingredients are known for their anti-nausea properties.
If attempting to use chewing gum for mild dizziness or pressure-related symptoms, selecting a strong flavor, such as peppermint, might offer additional sensory input to aid distraction. However, if vertigo is related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, the constant muscle strain from chewing could worsen the symptoms. While it may offer a simple, non-invasive countermeasure for general motion sickness, chewing gum is not a substitute for medical treatment of a diagnosed vestibular disorder.
Recognizing When Vertigo Requires Medical Attention
While some episodes of dizziness may be transient and benign, certain accompanying symptoms signal a serious underlying condition that chewing gum cannot address. Any new, severe vertigo that is accompanied by a sudden, intense headache requires immediate medical evaluation. Neurological symptoms such as slurred speech, double vision, or weakness or numbness on one side of the body are red flags that could indicate a stroke or other central pathology.
Other concerning signs include difficulty walking or standing that is disproportionate to the dizziness, or a loss of consciousness. Vertigo that persists for an unusually long duration, or is accompanied by a high fever or severe ear pain, also warrants prompt consultation with a healthcare provider. Chewing gum should only be considered for mild, occasional dizziness, and never as a replacement for professional diagnosis and treatment of persistent or severe balance issues.