What causes dizziness in the head and vestibular system?
Jun 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, dizziness originating from the vestibular system may be caused by factors such as fatigue and stress, postural changes, motion sickness, vestibular neuritis, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Symptomatic management usually involves general treatment measures and medication. It is recommended to engage in appropriate aerobic exercises, such as walking or jogging, in daily life, which can help improve the body's balance and endurance.
Generally, dizziness in the head may be caused by fatigue and stress, postural changes, motion sickness, vestibular neuritis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and other factors. Symptomatic management usually involves general treatment, medication, and other approaches. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical advice and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Fatigue and Stress
Under conditions of fatigue and stress, the body releases large amounts of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can affect the function of the inner ear. The inner ear is responsible for maintaining body balance, and dysfunction can cause dizziness, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. It is recommended to adjust lifestyle habits, ensure adequate sleep, engage in appropriate physical activity, and perform relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and yoga.
2. Postural Changes
Sudden changes in posture, especially from lying down to standing up, may cause blood redistribution to lag behind postural changes, leading to temporary cerebral ischemia and dizziness. Symptoms may include visual darkening and tinnitus. It is advised to change positions slowly and avoid rapid standing.
3. Motion Sickness
Motion sickness results from inconsistent or conflicting information between the vestibular and visual systems, causing the brain to misinterpret the body's motion status, thereby inducing dizziness. It is commonly triggered during travel by car, airplane, or other vehicles and may be accompanied by headache, nausea, and vomiting. It is recommended to use medications such as betahistine hydrochloride, chlorpromazine hydrochloride tablets, diazepam tablets, etc., as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.
4. Vestibular Neuritis
Vestibular neuritis is typically caused by infections. When the vestibular nerve is irritated and possibly damaged, patients may experience symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue, possibly accompanied by nystagmus, nausea, and vomiting. It is recommended to use medications such as ganciclovir capsules, dexamethasone acetate tablets, metoclopramide tablets, etc., as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.
5. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is generally associated with trauma, endocrine abnormalities, viral infections, and other factors. When the patient's head position changes, otoliths move within the semicircular canals and stimulate the vestibular nerve, causing vertigo. Symptoms may include nystagmus, nausea, and vomiting. It is recommended to use medications such as nimodipine tablets, promethazine hydrochloride tablets, betahistine hydrochloride tablets, etc., as directed by a physician to improve inner ear circulation and relieve vertigo.
It is recommended to engage in moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking and jogging, in daily life to help enhance the body's balance and endurance.
