A vestibular migraine is a neurological condition in which a migraine sufferer experiences repeated episodes of dizziness or vertigo associated with each migraine attack. It is believed that vestibular migraines are related to nerves, blood vessels and inner ear issues but it remains unclear.
Migraine typically affects nerves and blood vessels along with the chemicals within the brain that result in a temporary pulsation of pain on one side of the head. This type of headache affects approximately 29.5 million people in the US.
Vestibular Migraine
Migraine with dizziness, vertigo and balance issues affects 40 % of those who experience migraine headaches. It is only when it becomes a regular event that it is determined to be a vestibular migraine.
The vestibular system of the brain and ear controls balance and spatial orientation. When a vestibular migraine develops, dizziness and problems with balance can last from minutes to hours long. These symptoms can be experienced separately or with other typical migraine symptoms like, nausea and head pain.
A vestibular migraine always includes problems with balance, dizziness and vertigo, which are triggered by movement or motion.
Vestibular Migraine Symptoms
Vestibular migraine typically affect balance with feelings of movement or falling, unsteadiness and problems with coordination. Vestibular migraine can also affect vision, senses, distort hearing and cause pain or discomfort of the neck and ears.
All these symptoms can have varying degree of severity and be accompanied by head pain. But, also can be experienced on their own.
Other vestibular migraine symptoms can include:
tinnitus or ringing in the ears
ear or head pressure
changes in vision – flashing lights, blind spots and blurred vision
neck pain or sensitivity
partial loss of sight
difficulty with head movement
Common Causes and Triggers
According to the National Headache Foundation, the causes of migraine may have a hereditary nature, being that 80% of those who experience them report a family history.
It is still unclear as to the origins of migraine headaches. Some believe it has to do with the brain’s pain receptors being triggered by unstable or misfiring of electrical signals in the neurons. That may or may not be affected by conditions in the gut.
Triggers do vary from each individual, so keeping a journal to document all the factors leading up to a vestibular migraine attack can help determine how best to avoid a migraine episode.
Most common triggers
insomnia or too much sleep
anxiety and stress at work or at home
poor diet – alcohol, dairy products , caffeine
hormones and menstruation
environmental factors – loud noises and bright or flashing artificial lights
The guidelines by The International Headache Society for diagnosis of vestibular migraines:
minimum of 5 episodes of vestibular symptoms with a migraine or alone
experiencing moderate to severe vestibular symptoms of 5 minutes to 72 hours in duration
have a current history of migraine
50% of episodes occur with a migraine headache, visual changes, or light or sound discomfort
It is advised that a neurologist or doctor should always diagnose your particular condition and give you treatment options that work best for you. Sometimes they can be managed with or without medication.
Treatment and Management
Once a journal has been taken to help narrow down the triggers. Taking the necessary steps to help you avoid an episode will be much easier. Like avoiding bright or loud spaces, stressful areas and establishing a regular sleep schedule.
Resorting to OTC medication can sometimes make a big difference to relieve nausea and pain.
Neurofeedback therapy can help establish better brainwave activity for pain and balance management.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency of vestibular migraine episodes.
Getting regular exercise that includes stabilizing balance and hand-eye coordination.
Eating a healthy diet – free of MSG, preservatives, additives and avoiding all food triggers.
Getting regular and sufficient amount of sleep each night.
Coming from first hand experience of having migraine headaches for over 20 years. Not every OTC medication works for everyone and not every other healing modality does either. The diversity of treatment options are growing outside of typical medications. From acupuncture, chiropractic intervention, light therapy, neurofeedback therapy, lifestyle changes and other body work methods. People from all over the world have been finding relief from this debilitating condition.
Most of my clients don’t want or like to take medication and have found great relief from their migraine with LENs neurofeedback therapy. In terms of having fewer episodes, less severity and even a total removal of pain and other prominent symptoms. Especially, after they identify and remove their food triggers and establish better gut health.
I would encourage anyone suffering with vestibular migraine to change your diet and be proactive and seek out other options. Because there are some safe and effective modalities out there you may not know about.
-A Balanced Brain is a Stable Brain –