Link Between Anxiety and Dizziness in Vestibular Schwannoma Patients

Recent research has highlighted a significant connection between anxiety and increased dizziness among individuals diagnosed with vestibular schwannoma (VS). A study published online on October 2, 2025, in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, conducted by Tyler Wilson and colleagues from Washington University in St. Louis, sheds light on how psychological factors influence symptom severity in these patients.

Vestibular schwannoma, also known as acoustic neuroma, is a benign tumor developing on the vestibulocochlear nerve, often leading to symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disturbances. While dizziness is a common complaint, it frequently goes unreported or underappreciated by healthcare providers.

The study analyzed baseline data from 109 adults with VS, all of whom experienced subjective dizziness. Researchers utilized the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) to quantify dizziness severity and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale to assess anxiety levels.

Findings revealed that patients with a history of anxiety scored an average of 13.7 points higher on the DHI compared to those without such a history. Moreover, each additional point on the GAD-7 was associated with a 2.6-point increase in DHI score, indicating a strong relationship between anxiety severity and dizziness. After adjusting for other factors, every one-point rise in GAD-7 corresponded to a 1.9-point increase in DHI scores.

This indicates that anxiety contributes significantly to the level of dizziness experienced by VS patients, impacting their quality of life considerably. The authors emphasized that dizziness is often overlooked in clinical assessments but should be thoroughly evaluated when diagnosing VS, given its influence on patient well-being.

Overall, this study underscores the importance of addressing mental health, particularly anxiety, in the management of vestibular schwannoma to improve symptom control and enhance quality of life.

For more detailed information, see the original study: Tyler Wilson et al, Factors Associated With Dizziness Among Patients With Vestibular Schwannoma, JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery (2025). Source: [https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-anxiety-linked-dizziness-vestibular-schwannoma.html]