As we continue to learn more about the lingering effects of COVID-19, a growing number of individuals are reporting symptoms long after their initial recovery. One of the more unexpected and disorienting issues that some face is post-COVID vertigo. Vertigo, which causes a sensation of spinning or dizziness, can severely impact quality of life, making it difficult to focus, walk, or even stand. If you’ve experienced vertigo after recovering from COVID-19, you’re not alone, and there are treatment options available.
In this article, we’ll explore what post-COVID vertigo is, why it happens, and the treatment strategies that can help manage it.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that causes you to feel as if you or your surroundings are moving or spinning. It’s not a condition itself but rather a symptom that can result from a variety of underlying issues, often related to the inner ear or central nervous system.
Vertigo can be accompanied by other symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, sweating, and difficulty balancing. While many people experience vertigo for short periods, it can become chronic or recurrent for others, significantly disrupting their daily lives.
How COVID-19 May Cause Vertigo
As research on the long-term effects of COVID-19, known as “long COVID” or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), continues to grow, it has become clear that the virus can affect more than just the respiratory system. In fact, COVID-19 has been linked to various neurological symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, brain fog, and, in some cases, vertigo.
Several factors could explain why some people experience vertigo after recovering from COVID-19:
- Inner Ear Involvement: COVID-19 may affect the inner ear, which is responsible for maintaining balance. If the virus causes inflammation or damages the inner ear, this could lead to vertigo.
- Nervous System Impact: COVID-19 can also affect the brain and central nervous system. If the virus disrupts the brain’s ability to process signals from the inner ear and other sensory systems, it could result in balance issues and vertigo.
- Inflammation: Some researchers believe that inflammation caused by the body’s immune response to COVID-19 may contribute to ongoing symptoms, including vertigo.
While post-COVID vertigo is still being studied, these potential causes offer insight into why some individuals may experience this unsettling symptom long after their initial infection.
Symptoms of Post-COVID Vertigo
If you’re experiencing vertigo after COVID-19, you may notice a variety of symptoms, including:
- A spinning sensation, either in your head or your surroundings
- Loss of balance or difficulty walking
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
- A feeling of fullness in the ears or ringing (tinnitus)
These symptoms can vary in severity and duration, with some people experiencing brief episodes and others dealing with persistent dizziness that lasts for days or even weeks.
Diagnosing Post-COVID Vertigo
If you suspect that your vertigo is linked to a past COVID-19 infection, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. They may perform a series of tests to determine whether your vertigo is due to issues with the inner ear, nervous system, or another underlying condition.
Common diagnostic tests include:
- Hearing Tests: Hearing loss can accompany vertigo in some cases, so your doctor may check your hearing to assess whether your inner ear is functioning properly.
- Balance Tests: These tests measure how well your body maintains balance and responds to changes in position.
- Imaging Tests: In some cases, imaging studies like an MRI or CT scan may be needed to rule out other causes of vertigo, such as structural abnormalities in the brain.
Understanding the root cause of your vertigo is essential to finding the right treatment and managing your symptoms effectively.
Treatment Options for Post-COVID Vertigo
Fortunately, several treatment strategies can help alleviate the symptoms of vertigo, whether they are linked to COVID-19 or another cause. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to post-COVID vertigo treatment, combining various therapies may help reduce dizziness and improve quality of life.
1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is one of the most effective treatments for vertigo. This specialized type of physical therapy focuses on improving balance and reducing dizziness by retraining the brain to process signals from the inner ear and other sensory systems.
During VRT, a trained therapist will guide you through a series of exercises designed to improve your balance and reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo episodes. Over time, these exercises help the brain adapt and compensate for any disruptions in the vestibular system.
2. Medications
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of vertigo. These medications can include:
- Antihistamines: Certain antihistamines, such as meclizine, are commonly used to treat dizziness and nausea associated with vertigo.
- Anti-nausea Drugs: Medications like promethazine can help reduce nausea and vomiting, which often accompany vertigo.
- Benzodiazepines: For severe or persistent vertigo, doctors may prescribe benzodiazepines to help calm the nervous system and reduce dizziness.
It’s important to note that while medications can provide temporary relief, they may not address the underlying cause of your vertigo. Therefore, they are often used in conjunction with other therapies like VRT.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Making certain lifestyle changes can also help manage vertigo symptoms. These may include:
- Staying Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate vertigo symptoms, so drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial.
- Avoiding Triggers: For some people, certain movements, lights, or sounds can trigger vertigo episodes. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help reduce the frequency of symptoms.
- Resting During Flare-ups: If you experience a sudden bout of vertigo, it’s important to rest and avoid activities that require balance or coordination until the episode passes.
4. Epley Maneuver
The Epley maneuver is a specific series of head movements that can help reposition crystals in the inner ear that may be causing vertigo, particularly in cases of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This simple technique can be done in a healthcare provider’s office or even at home under guidance.
5. Addressing Post-COVID Inflammation
Because COVID-19 can trigger widespread inflammation, some treatment strategies focus on reducing inflammation in the body. Anti-inflammatory diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce symptoms over time. Additionally, supplements like turmeric and omega-3s are believed to support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory processes.
While further research is needed, some experts suggest that managing inflammation could play a key role in treating post-COVID symptoms, including vertigo.
When to Seek Medical Help
If your vertigo is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms like severe headaches, vision changes, or difficulty speaking, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition requiring prompt treatment.
Conclusion
Vertigo can be a frustrating and disorienting symptom, especially when it lingers after a COVID-19 infection. Fortunately, with the right treatment strategies—ranging from vestibular rehabilitation therapy to lifestyle changes—it is possible to manage post-COVID vertigo and improve your quality of life.
If you’re experiencing dizziness or vertigo after COVID-19, consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your needs. While the road to recovery may take time, there are effective strategies available to help reduce symptoms and restore balance.
