A vestibular migraine has many of the same symptoms as typical migraines. However, vertigo and other balance issues differentiate them from other migraine types. Unfortunately, they are harder to diagnose, requiring a specialist to identify. Treatments may also vary depending on the symptoms you experience and their frequency.
Migraines are neurological problems and may be linked to several brain-related conditions, including epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Due to these associations, some neurological therapies such as vestibular rehabilitation therapy may provide relief with managing the symptoms. Exercises may improve circulation and oxygenation while psychological therapy reduces stress, sleep issues, and other triggers.
Symptoms of Vestibular Migraines
Migraines have several possible symptoms, including pain, nausea, fatigue, and mood alterations. Some people also experience sensitivity to light, scent, or sound. These symptoms vary, so not everyone has the same symptoms during their attack.
Vestibular migraines also feature these symptoms, though a few others distinguish these headaches from typical migraines. One common issue is vertigo, which is often triggered by head movement, visual stimuli, or body position. Dizziness or balance issues may also occur during VM, and could last for a few minutes or several days.
Triggers of vestibular migraines
According to experts, migraines have several possible triggers, including the vestibular variety. The worst offender is stress, causing 50-70% of attacks. Frequent head pain then increases stress and the frequency of your migraines in a vicious cycle.
Irregular sleep patterns may also increase how often your migraines occur. Sleeping too much or too little alters brain function, leading to painful attacks.
Other possible vestibular migraine triggers include weather changes, photophobia, osmophobia, dehydration, and medication. Dietary changes, including excessive caffeine or alcohol intake, may also lead to head pain. Women are more likely to experience migraines, often during menstruation or other hormonal changes.
Is it a neurological issue?
All migraines are considered neurological conditions, including vestibular migraines. According to recent studies, they are genetically influenced due to gene abnormalities 4. Those who have family members experiencing migraines may suffer from them as well.
Of course, those irregularities don’t cause identical migraines in everyone, even those who are genetically linked. Your symptoms may vary in intensity, frequency, and duration compared to your family members. Some behavioral or ecological factors could also contribute to migraines, triggering unexpected attacks.
Of course, neurological functions are only part of the issue with vestibular migraines. The vestibular organs in the inner ear send signals to the brain during head movement to maintain stability and equilibrium.
When this system isn’t working properly, those functions fail to communicate properly with the brain. Vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues occur along with the regular migraine symptoms.
How is it treated?
Due to the varying vestibular migraine symptoms, there are several possible treatments for the condition. Medication is common, including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, or antiepileptic drugs. Not all options work for everyone, so it may take time to determine the best fit.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a physical therapy used for various vestibular disorders, including migraine. The exercises, maneuvers, gait training, and other treatments improve your symptoms, increase function, and manage complications. Lifestyle changes, dietary education, and proper sleep habits will also be discussed to reduce migraine frequency.
Resources:
- NINDS, Migraine
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/migraine - The Migraine Trust, Vestibular migraine
https://migrainetrust.org/understand-migraine/types-of-migraine/vestibular/ - American Migraine Foundation, July 27, 2017, Top 10 Migraine Triggers and How To Deal With Them
https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/top-10-migraine-triggers/ - PMC, Aug. 24, 2022, Migraine: An Underestimated Neurological Condition Affecting Billions
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9506374/ - Migraine Canada, Vestibular Migraine
https://migrainecanada.org/vestibular-migraine/ - PMC, July 21, 2022, Vestibular Migraine Treatment: A Comprehensive Practical Review
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9679161/
This content comprises informative and educational resources only and can not be considered as a substitute for professional health or medical guidance. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk. If you have any inquiries or apprehensions about your medical condition or health goals, talk with a licensed physician or healthcare provider.
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