Can Anxiety Cause Dizziness? What’s Really Going On
Feeling dizzy can be scary — especially when it comes out of nowhere. Many people worry something serious is wrong, only to be told their scans are “normal.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
One question we hear often at Thrive Physio Erina is:
“Can anxiety actually cause dizziness?”
The short answer is yes — and understanding why can be the first step toward feeling better.
How Anxiety and Dizziness Are Connected
Anxiety doesn’t just affect your thoughts — it affects your nervous system, breathing, muscles, and balance.
When you’re anxious, your body switches into fight-or-flight mode. This can lead to:
Faster, shallower breathing
Increased muscle tension (especially in the neck and shoulders)
Heightened awareness of bodily sensations
Changes in blood flow and balance signals
All of these can contribute to sensations like:
Light-headedness
Feeling “floaty” or off-balance
Rocking or swaying sensations
Head pressure or fogginess
Importantly, this type of dizziness is very real — even though it may not show up on scans or tests.
What Does Anxiety-Related Dizziness Feel Like?
Anxiety-related dizziness often feels different to classic vertigo (where the room spins). People commonly describe it as:
Feeling unsteady or “not quite right”
Worse in busy environments like shopping centres
Triggered by stress, fatigue, or poor sleep
Improving when distracted or calm
Lingering rather than coming in short spinning episodes
This pattern is especially common in conditions like Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD), which we see regularly at our Central Coast physiotherapy clinic.
Can Dizziness Also Cause Anxiety?
Yes — and this is where things can become a cycle.
An episode of dizziness can be frightening. Over time, the fear of feeling dizzy again can increase anxiety, which then keeps the symptoms going. This doesn’t mean the dizziness is “all in your head” — it means your nervous system is stuck on high alert.
How Physiotherapy Can Help Anxiety-Related Dizziness
You might be surprised to hear that physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety-related dizziness.
At Thrive Physio Erina, vestibular physiotherapy focuses on:
Retraining the balance system
Gentle, graded exercises help your brain relearn that movement and visual input are safe.
Reducing neck and upper body tension
Neck stiffness and muscle tension can worsen dizziness and headaches.
Calming the nervous system
We guide breathing, posture, and movement strategies that help shift your body out of fight-or-flight mode.
Building confidence with movement
Avoidance often makes dizziness worse. Gradual exposure helps you feel steady and confident again.
We also work alongside GPs and psychologists when needed — especially if anxiety is a significant part of the picture.
When Should You See a Physio for Dizziness?
You should consider seeing a Central Coast physiotherapist if:
Your dizziness has lasted weeks or months
Tests or scans are normal, but symptoms persist
Your dizziness worsens with stress or busy environments
You feel anxious about moving or leaving the house
You’ve been told you have PPPD, vestibular migraine, or “functional dizziness”
Early treatment leads to better outcomes — and less frustration.
The Takeaway
Yes, anxiety can cause dizziness — but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it.
With the right explanation, targeted physiotherapy, and a calm, supportive approach, most people can significantly reduce their symptoms and get back to living normally.
At Thrive Physio Erina, we help people across the Central Coast understand their dizziness and regain confidence in their body again.
Book an appointment today, and let’s work through it together.
