Why Do I Get Dizzy While Driving?

There is an interesting phenomenon that many people do not know about. That is feeling dizzy while driving. Essentially, you feel woozy while stationary and seated, even when you account for minor accelerating forces acting on your inner ear system. Therefore, do you feel dizzy while driving?
 

Binocular Vision Disorders

If you, sometimes or often, experience dizziness while driving, it is understandable why you may be feeling frustrated. Many people suffer from Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD), also called vertical heterophoria, while driving. Some even experience it when they make any form of swift movement.

This condition can be quite uncomfortable or even physically dangerous in the long term. The condition stems from a misalignment of your eyes. Often, it stems from a head injury. However, it can also result from a condition where one eye is set a bit higher than the other. Consequently, you will perceive things at different levels.

Here are the main reasons why people suffer from this visual condition.

Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome

This is a rather wide category that takes into account a broad range of visual measurements and findings. Often, they result from an acquired brain injury. Essentially, it is an injury to certain regions of your brain that handle various characteristics of your visual function. This condition affects the stored programs for how your eye or visual system functions. This kind of trauma is often difficult to detect. This is because it happens on the axonal level.
 

Vertical Heterophoria

You will experience this visual disorder if you have misaligned eyes. You need to understand that it can lead to other unexpected symptoms that you may not immediately think have a connection to your eyes. Your eye misalignment may be small; however, it can cause you to overuse or strain your eye muscles.

Consequently, it may cause you to experience symptoms such as dizziness and headaches. In certain situations, your doctor might misdiagnose it as a migraine and vertigo disorder. Therefore, if you feel dizzy while driving, you need to visit a qualified medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.

The problem might not be about the hours you work or the food you eat every day. Rather, the root of the problem may stem from your eyes. Common symptoms of VH include:
 

• Thinking you are driving at high speeds but finding that other vehicles are whizzing by.

• Swiftly having to stand from a seated position.

• Having to straighten your posture after a curve or bending over.

• Having to move your head from side to side all the time.
   

Unfortunately, this disorder comes with other more serious symptoms. You might find yourself pounding at your forehead or temples, or even the back of your head. This is mainly due to the headaches, which can vary both in location and intensity. You may also experience pain when you move your eyes.

To learn more about dizziness while driving, call or schedule an appointment at The Dizziness and Headache Optometry Center in Santa Barbara, California. We have a 5 minute self-test to help you know whether you might have Binocular Vision Dysfunction. When you take the test, we will interpret it and get back to you with the results. You can also call (805) 626-3400 to schedule an appointment today.
 

Take 5 Minute Self Test