What causes dizziness and nausea when looking at a mobile phone?

Generally, feeling anxious or nauseous when using a mobile phone may be related to visual factors, muscle strain, non-specific palpitations, depression, or cervical spondylosis, among other causes. Appropriate treatment should be administered based on the specific condition. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Visual Factors

For example, if a patient experiences eye fatigue or abnormal intraocular pressure—such as refractive errors—the stimulation from smartphone screen light may lead to symptoms like dizziness and nausea. It is recommended that patients avoid prolonged phone use and take regular breaks to relieve eye strain.

2. Muscle Strain

Holding a phone for extended periods while focusing on the screen keeps the soft tissues of the neck and shoulders in a highly tense state. This sustained tension can cause muscle strain and spasms. Muscle spasms may compress the vertebral artery, leading to narrowing of the vessel and insufficient blood supply to the vertebrobasilar system, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. It is advised that individuals maintain proper posture while using their phones, avoid excessive head-down positions, limit phone usage time, and take appropriate breaks.

3. Non-Specific Palpitations

Prolonged mobile phone use may lead to late-night habits and severe lack of rest, causing symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, which can negatively affect the cardiovascular system. Patients should ensure adequate rest, avoid overexertion, and, under medical supervision, may take medications such as metoprolol tartrate tablets or bisoprolol fumarate tablets as part of treatment.

4. Depression

Patients with depression often have impaired emotional regulation. Prolonged phone use with significant emotional fluctuations may trigger the aforementioned symptoms. Such patients should stop using their phones and rest. If necessary, they may take medications such as perphenazine tablets or sulpiride tablets under a doctor's guidance.

5. Cervical Spondylosis

Constantly looking down at a phone may contribute to cervical spondylosis, which can impair cerebral blood flow and lead to cervicogenic vertigo during phone use, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and neck stiffness. When such symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Early hospital evaluation is essential to identify the underlying cause and initiate targeted treatment.

It is recommended that patients seek timely medical care when experiencing discomfort and receive standardized treatment under professional guidance to facilitate recovery.