Dizziness with Movement: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Dizziness with Movement?

Dizziness with movement refers to a feeling of unsteadiness or vertigo that occurs when changing positions or moving the head or body. This condition may be triggered by activities such as standing up quickly, walking, or turning the head. Dizziness during movement can be caused by various factors, including issues with the inner ear, blood pressure changes, or problems with the nervous system. It may be mild or severe and often requires medical evaluation to determine the cause.

Causes of Dizziness with Movement

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). A condition where small crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and cause a spinning sensation when moving the head.
• Vestibular Neuritis. Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for balance, can cause dizziness with movement, often accompanied by nausea.
• Dehydration. A lack of proper hydration can lead to low blood pressure and dizziness when standing or moving.
• Low Blood Pressure (Orthostatic Hypotension). A sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up can cause dizziness and lightheadedness, especially with movement.
• Inner Ear Infections. Infections of the inner ear can interfere with balance and cause dizziness during movement.
• Cervical Spine Issues. Problems with the cervical spine, such as a herniated disc or cervical spondylosis, can lead to dizziness when moving the head due to nerve compression or reduced blood flow.
• Migraine-associated Vertigo. Some individuals with migraines experience dizziness or vertigo as part of their migraine symptoms, which may worsen with movement.

Symptoms

• Spinning Sensation. A feeling that you or the environment is spinning or moving, often triggered by specific movements.
• Imbalance. Difficulty maintaining balance while standing or walking, often occurring with head movements.
• Nausea. Dizziness with movement may be accompanied by nausea, especially in cases like vestibular neuritis or BPPV.
• Blurred Vision. Some individuals may experience blurred vision or visual disturbances when moving, due to dizziness or vertigo.
• Lightheadedness. A general feeling of lightheadedness or faintness, which may worsen with movement or sudden position changes.

Treatment Methods

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT). A type of physical therapy that helps improve balance and reduce dizziness caused by inner ear or vestibular issues.
• Medications. Anti-vertigo medications or antihistamines may be prescribed to alleviate dizziness or nausea associated with movement.
• Hydration. Ensuring proper hydration can help prevent dizziness caused by dehydration or low blood pressure.
• Postural Adjustments. Moving slowly and gradually changing positions can reduce dizziness triggered by sudden movements or changes in posture.
• Cervical Spine Treatment. If dizziness is related to cervical spine issues, treatments like physical therapy or medication may help relieve symptoms.
• Treatment for Underlying Conditions. Treating the root cause, such as infections, migraines, or BPPV, can help reduce dizziness with movement.