In an earlier blog post we discussed fainting during or after being pierced- a normal response post-piercing that often happens due to blood sugar levels, or different medical conditions. Well, a lot of folks had questions about experiencing vertigo after piercings as well, so I thought that would make a great follow-up blog post!
Vertigo is a sensation in which you feel as though you are moving, spinning, or off balance. Some folks describe it as dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling off balance. And it might occur during or after you get pierced, for a range of reasons! I want to clarify first however that it is perfectly normal, albeit not ideal, to experience some vertigo during the piercing process. If this happens to you, it’s really nothing to worry about. And a good piercer is trained and ready to handle this and help you feel comfortable again.
What Causes Vertigo?
Now there are many different things that can cause vertigo. One of the most common is moving your head too quickly, but this can also happen from motion sickness in cars, planes, and boats; dehydration, inner ear infections, and inflammation of specific nerves in the ear, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo which occurs with certain head movements, headaches and migraines, and alcohol. Attacks of vertigo can occur suddenly and may range from lasting a few seconds to lasting hours and even days at a time.
When it comes to piercing, its a few of these things that can be the culprit behind your bout of vertigo. One of the main causes is moving your head too quickly, and this often happens when clients readjust rapidly after being pierced or sit up/stand up too fast after piercing. In many studios, you’ll be lying down or sitting down with your head supported by a chair or table for your piercing. Sometimes the position you are in for piercing isn’t the most comfortable and the moment it's done clients will turn their heads back or even try to sit up and take a look at their new piercing right away. This sudden movement of your head can absolutely trigger some vertigo, especially coupled with the adrenaline and endorphins of a new piercing. This is usually why piercers will suggest you rest for a moment after piercing, sit up slowly, and take a moment before you stand and head to the mirror. We know it's super exciting to see your new piercing, but it's not worth making yourself dizzy over!
Vertigo After Piercing
Now one of the main questions I get concerning vertigo and piercings is experiencing bouts of it in the days following getting a piercing done. And you may be surprised to hear this is more common than you’d expect. I see it the most with bridge and high nostril piercings. Both of these are placements higher up on the nose that are prone to a fair amount of swelling. This swelling can affect the sinus’, creating a feeling similar to having sinus pressure during allergy season. It also can trigger headaches and even migraines for some folks. If you recall, headaches can also be a cause of vertigo. I find that most often if clients are having vertigo in the days following a piercing, it's almost always piercings whose swelling can affect and trigger headaches or clients who tend to have stress and anxiety-induced headaches (and I can think of few more stress and anxiety-inducing experiences then letting a stranger stab you). These headaches can come with bouts of vertigo, which can be pretty intimidating after getting a piercing.
Try not to stress or panic more over this, and give it some time to pass. There are also some things you can do to manage your vertigo, which include staying extra hydrated, a series of exercises known as the Epley Manuver, and ginger tea, which are all popular home remedies for vertigo. It should subside within 1-2 weeks post-piercing, usually once the swelling calms down. I know I struggled with headaches after my high nostrils for about the first week and a half, and have had many clients report the same. If vertigo persists past the two-week mark, or if at any time you are concerned it’s not normal or a side effect of something more serious, please seek out medical attention.
Vertigo is a somewhat common side effect of various different conditions, from drinking too much, to headaches, or yes, getting a piercing. While it can be stressful and even scary to experience vertigo, it’s also very normal. If this happens to you please try not to stress or panic, and give it time to pass. It’s likely just as simple as sitting up too fast after your piercing or having a piercing that’s triggered some headaches and will pass quickly. And please trust your piercer to care for you if this happens. Happy healing!