Although vestibular migraine falls under the general category of “migraine,” it doesn’t always cause the headache that’s typically associated with migraine. That said, some people with vestibular migraine may experience a severe throbbing headache.
Vestibular migraine is more often characterized by symptoms in your vestibular system along with other migraine symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound.
Symptoms of vestibular migraine vary from person to person but may include:
- nausea and vomiting
- dizziness
- loss of balance
- sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
- vertigo triggered by motion
According to the current diagnostic criteria trusted Source, a diagnosis of vestibular migraine requires at least 5 episodes with vestibular symptoms, lasting anywhere from 5 minutes to 72 hours.
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What’s the best way to relieve symptoms of vestibular migraine?
Research is still ongoing on the effectiveness of treatment options for vestibular migraine. However, according to a 2020 research review trusted Source, current treatment recommendations involve several different approaches:
- Dietary modifications and behavioral changes. One of the first steps in managing vestibular migraine is to reduce exposure to triggers. Keeping a symptom journal can help you identify your triggers more easily so that you can avoid them. If your symptoms are primarily triggered by diet, you’ll want to eliminate any trigger foods from your diet. If your triggers include lifestyle factors, such as poor sleep, try to take steps to improve these areas of your life.
- Medications to control symptoms during episodes. It’s not always possible to prevent vestibular migraine. Medication can help during an episode. Medication options may include triptans, over-the-counter pain medications, steroids, and antiemetic drugs. Most of these medications function by reducing the common symptoms of these types of migraine episodes, such as dizziness, motion sickness, and nausea.
- Prophylactic medications to prevent future episodes. Prophylactic (preventive) medications are considered one of the most effective treatment options for vestibular migraine. These may include beta-blockers, valproic acid, topiramate, tricyclic antidepressants, and lamotrigine. Venlafaxine and flunarizine have also been shown to be effective for vestibular migraine prophylaxis.
- Complementary treatments. Vestibular therapy performed by a physical therapist has been shown to be effective for vestibular migraine, according to a 2018 research review trusted Source. Acupuncture and neural stimulation may also be helpful, according to a 2020 review trusted Source and a 2019 study, respectively.
As always, treatment for a condition like vestibular migraine may differ for each person. Reach out to a healthcare professional to discuss the best treatment options for you.
When should to seek medical help?
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of vestibular migraine, schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis. A primary physician is a good first point of contact.
They may refer you to a neurologist for more in-depth examination and treatment. Neurologists specialize in conditions that cause complications with your senses, such as touch, vision, smell, or balance.
Since vestibular migraine can significantly impact your quality of life, early diagnosis and treatment are important.
If a doctor or neurologist has diagnosed your condition as vestibular migraine, they can prescribe medications to help ease your symptoms during episodes.
You’ll likely be asked to keep a log of any migraine triggers you notice so that you can avoid them. In many cases, a doctor can also prescribe preventive medications to prevent future migraine episodes.
While a vestibular migraine is not generally considered dangerous, you should seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following:
- a headache that doesn’t improve or quickly gets worse
- neck stiffness
- high fever
- muscle weakness
- speech or vision changes
- numbness or tingling
- confusion or decreased awareness
- convulsions
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Takeaway
Vestibular migraine is a type of migraine. It’s characterized by vestibular symptoms, such as dizziness and vertigo, in addition to classic migraine symptoms.
Vestibular migraine can be caused by any number of triggers — from certain foods to hormonal changes. Treatment for vestibular migraine generally involves:
- dietary changes
- lifestyle modifications
- medications for symptoms and prevention
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of vestibular migraine, try keeping a journal of personal triggers. This way, you can take it to a healthcare professional to help them diagnose and treat the condition.