Vertigo, characterised by dizziness and a sense of imbalance, can often be triggered and aggravated by excessive alcohol consumption. This is because alcohol disrupts the body's balance mechanisms, intensifying the sensation of vertigo and making individuals feel even more unsteady.¹ 

In this article, we’ll understand how alcohol consumption affects vertigo symptoms and explore effective treatment and management strategies for alcohol-induced vertigo.

What is vertigo?

Vertigo is a type of dizziness marked by a spinning sensation or a false perception of movement. If you're experiencing vertigo, you might feel like you or the space around you is tilting, moving, or being drawn in a particular direction when there is no actual motion. Alongside feeling off-balance, vertigo may also present symptoms like nausea, hearing loss, disorientation, and blurry vision.²

Vertigo isn't a disorder on its own; instead, it commonly serves as a symptom of an underlying issue within the vestibular system of the inner ear. This system is crucial for maintaining balance, and any disruption or dysfunction within its structures can trigger an episode of vertigo.³

Vertigo episodes can be brief, lasting just a few seconds, or extend for hours. In severe cases, vertigo can persist for days, weeks, or even months.³

What causes vertigo?

Vertigo is mainly categorised into two types: peripheral vertigo and central vertigo. Peripheral vertigo stems from issues in the inner ear structures, which are responsible for maintaining the body’s balance. Central vertigo is less common and occurs from conditions affecting the brain, for example, a stroke or a brain injury.⁴

Some of the factors responsible for causing vertigo may include:^4,5

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, which is a sudden spinning triggered by certain head movements
• Migraines
• Inner ear infections, such as labyrinthitis and otitis media
• Ménière's disease, a rare disorder often accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory medicines and antibiotics
• Low blood pressure
• Alcohol consumption
• Viral infections
• Stroke

Among these, alcohol consumption is a significant trigger for vertigo in some individuals, although not everyone who drinks alcohol will experience it.⁶

How does alcohol affect vertigo symptoms?

Alcohol can trigger or worsen vertigo symptoms by impacting both the inner ear and brain function, which are crucial for maintaining balance. Here are several ways alcohol can influence vertigo:⁷

Ways in which alcohol can induce or affect vertigo-like symptoms:^7,8,9

Alcohol alters the inner ear fluid levels 

The inner ear contains semicircular canals and other structures which comprise the vestibular system. This system, as mentioned before, is responsible for maintaining our body’s balance by detecting movement and position changes. Alcohol is a diuretic that causes dehydration and disrupts this system by reducing and changing the fluid composition in the inner ear canals, which detect rotational movement. When there's a fluid imbalance, your ears may send conflicting signals to the brain, leading to symptoms of vertigo, including dizziness and instability.

Alcohol may cause hearing loss

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause hearing loss by impacting the auditory cortex in the brain, which is responsible for processing sound signals. This disruption can lead to difficulties in interpreting sound and understanding speech. Moreover, alcohol can damage the inner ear's hair cells, which are crucial for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals for the brain. This damage can result in permanent hearing loss over time. Hearing impairment can contribute to vertigo, as the brain relies on auditory input for spatial orientation and balance.

Alcohol affects the functioning of the brain

Excessive alcohol consumption disrupts neurotransmitter levels in the brain, affecting areas involved in coordinating movement and balance, like the cerebellum and vestibular nuclei. This disruption in brain function can lead to feelings of dizziness and instability, exacerbating vertigo symptoms.

Alcohol causes dehydration

Alcohol consumption leads to dehydration, causing a drop in blood pressure and reduced blood flow to the brain. This can result in dizziness and lightheadedness, common symptoms associated with vertigo.

Alcohol may increase the risk of neck injuries 

Alcohol impairs balance, increasing the likelihood of falls and resulting in potential injuries to the head and neck.  Such injuries can lead to misalignment in the neck bones, disrupting the central nervous system and potentially triggering vertigo symptoms.

How to treat vertigo caused by alcohol?

Treating alcohol-induced vertigo begins with taking the important step of stopping alcohol consumption. However, this can be challenging, especially for those struggling with alcohol addiction. Seeking professional help is essential and may involve

• Detoxification and Withdrawal Management: The first step is to remove alcohol from the body and manage withdrawal symptoms, which will typically be done in a hospital or specialised facility
• Therapy and Counseling: Following this, therapy or counselling sessions may take place focusing on the psychological aspects of addiction, helping individuals develop strategies to avoid relapse

Additionally, certain medications may be prescribed to you for treating alcohol-induced vertigo, such as:⁸

• Anti-nausea medicines to help relieve the feelings of nausea and associated dizziness
• Medicines for alleviating motion sickness, which regulate the vestibular system activity, reduce vertigo symptoms

Physical therapy, such as vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), comprises specific exercises and techniques designed to enhance balance and alleviate various vertigo symptoms, such as dizziness.⁸

How to prevent/manage vertigo caused by alcohol?

If you're experiencing vertigo and are concerned about how alcohol can affect your symptoms, there are strategies you can use to manage the condition while still enjoying the occasional drink. Some approaches that you can consider include

Consuming alcohol in moderation

Pay attention to how alcohol affects your vertigo episodes and adjust your drinking habits accordingly. For example:

• Drink water along with alcoholic drinks to stay hydrated 
• Restrict the quantity of alcohol consumed at once

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle, including regular physical activity, nutritious eating habits, and adequate sleep, can also enhance overall health and may assist in managing symptoms of vertigo.

Seek medical advice 

Consulting a healthcare professional regarding your individual medical history and vertigo symptoms can provide valuable insight into how alcohol affects your condition. Your healthcare provider may:

• Carry out a thorough assessment to find any underlying medical issues causing vertigo
• Discuss the possible drawbacks of drinking alcohol for your vertigo symptoms
• Suggest healthy lifestyle changes or treatment options to handle vertigo

Explore the alternatives to alcohol

Finally, consider trying out tasty alternative beverages, such as herbal teas, iced lattes, or delicious non-alcoholic mocktails, to minimise the risk of alcohol-induced vertigo while still enjoying time with friends.

Summary

Excessive alcohol consumption can trigger vertigo and worsen symptoms for those with a history of it. The connection between alcohol and vertigo varies from person to person, making it crucial to understand its underlying mechanisms and individual factors.

For those affected, reducing or avoiding alcohol intake and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals can help manage symptoms effectively. Exploring alternative drinks and social activities offers a way to enjoy socialising while minimising vertigo's impact. 

With the right support and personalised approach, alcohol-induced vertigo is manageable. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use disorder and experiencing vertigo symptoms, seeking professional help is essential for a healthier, more balanced life.