About Vestibular Migraines
What Is A Vestibular Migraine?
Vestibular migraine is a distinct type of migraine that affects the vestibular system, responsible for balance and spatial orientation. It is characterised by episodes of dizziness, vertigo, and other vestibular symptoms, often accompanied by migraine headache.
Vestibular migraine combines the symptoms of migraines with those associated with vestibular dysfunction. The vestibular symptoms may occur with or without a concurrent headache, and the severity and frequency of episodes can vary between individuals.
Vestibular Migraine Diagnosis
How Do We Diagnose A Vestibular Migraine?
The diagnosis of vestibular migraine can be challenging due to the overlap of symptoms with other vestibular disorders. A thorough evaluation and a comprehensive diagnostic approach can help healthcare professionals identify and differentiate vestibular migraine from other conditions.
Vestibular Migraine Symptoms
Dizziness & Vertigo
Headache/Migraine
Headache/Migraine may precede, accompany, or follow the vestibular symptoms
Visual Disturbances
Visual disturbances such as blurred vision, visual aura (flashing lights or zigzag lines) and visual field defects
Increased Sensitivity
Increased sensitivity to motion or noise
Vestibular Migraine – Frequently Asked Questions
What is a vestibular migraine?
A vestibular migraine is a type of migraine that primarily affects balance and spatial orientation, causing dizziness, vertigo, and other vestibular symptoms, often without a headache.
What causes vestibular migraine?
Vestibular migraine is caused by abnormal brain activity affecting the vestibular system, which controls balance. Triggers may include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, and sensory overload.
What are the symptoms of vestibular migraine?
Symptoms include vertigo, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, unsteadiness, and sometimes a headache. These symptoms can last from minutes to hours or even days.
How is vestibular migraine different from other types of migraine?
Unlike other migraines, vestibular migraine focuses on balance and spatial orientation issues rather than just head pain. It may occur with or without a headache.
How is vestibular migraine diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a detailed medical history, ruling out other vestibular disorders, and identifying migraine-specific symptoms like sensitivity to light, nausea, or aura.
What triggers vestibular migraine?
Common triggers include stress, hormonal fluctuations, certain foods (e.g., caffeine, chocolate), dehydration, lack of sleep, and sensory stimuli like bright lights or loud noises.
How is vestibular migraine treated?
Treatment of the upper neck through the Watson Headache® Approach has been shown to reduce migraine symptoms.
Treatment may also include lifestyle changes, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, medications such as triptans, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers and preventive medications.
How is vestibular migraine treated?
Treatment includes lifestyle changes, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, and medications such as triptans, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers. Preventive medications may also be prescribed.
Can vestibular migraine be prevented?
Prevention involves identifying and managing triggers, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, staying hydrated, and following a treatment plan prescribed by a healthcare provider.
What are the risks of untreated vestibular migraine?
Untreated vestibular migraine can lead to chronic symptoms, increased sensitivity to triggers, and a significant impact on daily life, including difficulty with work and social activities.
Who can help with vestibular migraine?
A headache practitioner, vestibular physiotherapist or neurologist is best equipped to diagnose and treat vestibular migraine. Vestibular therapists may also assist with balance and rehabilitation exercises.
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