Several studies have looked into stress and anxiety as potential triggering or worsening factors for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular migraine (VM), Ménière’s disease, and other types. The exact mechanism by which stress might affect vestibular function is not yet clear, although one plausible hypothesis involves increased levels of cortisol and other stress hormones acting on ion channels and neurotransmission in the brain.[1]
Can vertigo be caused by stress or anxiety?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Stress and anxiety have been studied as potential triggers or exacerbating factors for various types of vertigo, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular migraine, and Ménière’s disease. The exact mechanism remains unclear, but it may involve the effect of stress hormones on brain function.