Does altitude affect vertigo?

Vertigo is a common condition that affects many people, and it can be caused by various factors. One of the most debated causes of vertigo is altitude, which has been linked to this feeling of dizziness and imbalance. However, some people claim that altitude has nothing to do with vertigo. So, the question remains: does altitude affect vertigo or not?

In this article, we will explore the possible relationship between altitude and vertigo in detail. We’ll also take a funny tone because who said exploring medical possibilities had to be dull?

What is Vertigo?

Before diving into the effect of altitude on vertigo, let’s understand what exactly this condition entails.

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by an illusionary sense of movement or spinning that affects your balance perception when you are still.1 Now imagine being stuck in traffic and your car feels like it slides forward but stays in place – yes! THAT!

That “zombie” feeling where everyone else looks normal walking down the street while everything around us moves could signify vestibular system trauma at work (i.e., inner ear disorder).[²]

This sensation often causes nausea or vomiting; hence its name comes from Latin for “whirling.”2. It creates anxiety puzzlingly worrying if individuals are capable enough hold out more extended periods until they’re cured.

There are different types & degrees ranging from mild spells lasting seconds up-to severe episodes rendering one immobilized & desperate for assistance.

Now that we’ve defined what vertigo means let’s talk about whether there’s any relation between it & high altitudes.

High-Altitude Sickness

When you travel to areas with higher elevations than usual—such as mountains—your body experiences changes adapting to thinner air resulting in decreased circulation ability[]. Hence all kinds of fun activities such as hiking, exploring nature & being “one with” Mother Nature come at a cost.

You might experience altitude sickness which is renowned for affecting people traveling over 8,000 feet above sea level even less. It can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe -some so extreme they’re fatal[].³

The usual symptoms include headaches, nausea & dizziness. Though these are not akin to the vertigo we’re discussing but it’s still worth noting that alterations in your body’s equilibrium can kickstart various reactions after acclimatization times are out of whack.

What is Altitude Vertigo?

A mere elevation isn’t enough alone to trigger vertigo episodes; however, transitioning between altitudes rapidly or for those sensitive individuals could catalyze an episode via pressure evoking changes in their ears3.

In other words: ascending and descending too quickly but most often going downwards causes conflicting signals brought on by motion-sensitive areas of vestibules hence signal confusion beginning an episode.

So while brief exposure (usually only present during certain activities like plane travel) doesn’t lead to lasting bouts of vertigo , some case studies suggest additional contributing factors may heighten severity such as exposure if already suffering ear problems .

People who have ear infections or Meniere’s disease— inner-ear disorder causing tinnitus noises accompanied by attack series — notice amplified intensity when experiencing altitude shifts4.

Can Altitude contribute To A More Severe Attack Of Vertigo?

While there is no direct relation found between high elevation and everyday recreational activities dragging along possible episodes making them longer + more intense over time can be triggered indirectly because one failed to give themselves enough time needed[i.e., checkups/ screenings prior/travel plans adjusted]. Such events result in escalating incidents via either pre-existing conditions (such as migraine)”or for those unlucky ones prone chronic attacks” 5.

So combining everything together, what we can say is that altitude might not trigger vertigo, but it could worsen the outbreaks depending on a person’s medical history and circumstances. Hiking up to Mount Everest in flip flops probably isn’t your best idea…

What To Do If You Get Vertigo While At Altitude

If you are experiencing an episode of vertigo while at high altitudes, there are some steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms:

  • Sit down or lie flat until symptoms subside.
  • Avoid visual stimuli- sometimes closing one’s eyes helps block out provoking images allowing them to concentrate better
  • Consume adequate amounts of fluids & salt – maintaining hydration levels increases oxygen flow keeping headaches at bay
  • Stretching exercises such as tilting head side-to-side alternatively—simple muscle releasing movements help with fluid build-up/oxygen restriction.

In summary,

Now we know how different factors influence vertigo episodes, especially regarding whether altitude exposure aggravates intensity with little inclination alone causing attacks in anyone—that is until chronic motion-sensitive areas expose those most susceptible.

Altitude by itself does not cause vertigo; however, sudden transitions between elevations come bearing chances for conflict within certain organs like inner ear thereby setting off confusion signalling resolving eventually or progressing into conventional diseases such as Meniere’s.

Disclaimer:

This article truthfully seems fit more for entertainment value than practically informative making individuals cautious next time they’re going on adventure travel plans


  1. American Academy of Otolaryngology-HNSF;“Dizziness and Balance 

  2. Betz A.L.; Vestibular system anatomy,eMedicine Specialties,OtolaryngologyandFacial Plastic SurgeryUnderstanding clinical testsEmedicine 2005https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/882896-overview#a7Retrieved16August2019 

  3. Passy V et al.: “Recovery From Sea Level Exposure: Importance of Elevation Changes,”Journal of Wilderness Medicine, vol. 2 , no. 1, pp.29–34 

  4. Amin M.R., Lin F.R.;Vertigo – a common symptom; Oxford medicine online https://oxfordmedicine.com/view/10.1093/med/9780199568496.001. 

  5. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-25926-x 

Random Posts