Vertigo During Pregnancy: A Narrative Review of the Etiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatment

Cureus. 2024 Mar 6;16(3):e55657. doi: 10.7759/cureus.55657. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Abstract

From the time of conception until the time of labor, a woman's body and mind undergo a variety of hormonal and other changes. Patients may also experience vertigo and a lack of balance during this period. Disabling and physically painful, these symptoms may strike at any moment. Pregnancy-related vertigo has been the focus of several studies. We looked at the research on vertigo in pregnant women in detail. This narrative review aims to examine the causes, pathophysiology, and current treatments for vertigo during pregnancy. Vertigo during pregnancy has a diverse etiology, with typical causes including hormonal changes and modifications in vascular dynamics. Vertigo may start to appear due to pathophysiological mechanisms involving vestibular and central nervous system adaptations. Numerous alternatives for treatment are available, including dietary changes, vestibular therapy, medicines, and surgical procedures. The thorough assessment of the current research on vertigo during pregnancy provided by this narrative review will help medical practitioners make wise clinical decisions.

Keywords: etiology; pathophysiology; pregnancy; prisma guidelines; treatment; vertigo.

Publication types

  • Review