Why do you get dizzy with earthquakes?

Question

There was an earthquake an hour ago but before it happened, I got dizzy and remained so. This has happened every time we have had sizeable earthquakes in our area and I tend to stay dizzy for a couple hours afterwards. Why would I be so affected? Why would seismic activity make someone dizzy? Thanks :)

Answer 1

When there is an earthquake, it is proceded by a change in the earth's electromagnetic field. Some people are suseptible to feeling changes, and some of the symptoms is a feeling of dizziness, nausea, disorientation or vertigo.

The causes of the change in the EMF are debated but one theory is that the deformation of the rock destabilizes its atoms, freeing a flood of electrons from their atomic bonds, and creating positively charged electron deficiencies, or holes. These holes manage to propagate through rock up toward the surface, while the electrons flow down into Earth's hot mantle.

This causes the change that you are able to feel.

Answer 2

I just experienced the Napa quake 12 hours ago, and as the day has gone on, I am feeling more dizzy with a headache. I don't feel good.

Answer 3

there's something in your ear that helps you maintain your balance. sorry, i can't recall what it's called.
but basically, when there are abnormal motions in your environment, it throws your body out of whack and you might feel dizzy.
this is why some people get car sick. you are sitting in the car but you see things whizzing past you. it makes your body confused and you get dizzy.
some people are more sensitive to changes than others.

Answer 4

The fluid in your inner ear semicircular canals sloshes back and forth, making you vertiginous. Older people usually get it worse, though.

Answer 5

Probably because the ground shook... so you couldn't keep balance.... but ya thats my guess