Vestibular migraine is a type of headache disorder characterized by symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, and sensitivity to light and sound. The term “vestibular” generally refers to the system in your inner ear responsible for your body’s balance.
Doctors aren’t entirely sure what causes people to develop vestibular migraine. Much of the knowledge about diagnosis, triggers, and treatment stems from research that doesn’t focus specifically on this condition.
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However, according to a 2017 review of scientific literatureTrusted Source, research has suggested that the top vestibular migraine triggers are:
- certain foods
- sleep concerns
- hormonal changes
This article explores potential triggers of vestibular migraine, as well as how to relieve symptoms and when to seek medical attention.
Certain foods
Certain foods have been known to trigger migraine. These are believed to trigger vestibular migraine, too.
According to a 2020 research review trusted Source, some common migraine-trigger foods include:
- alcohol
- aspartame
- caffeine
- cheese
- chocolate
- citrus fruits
- coffee
- dairy
- foods high in fat
- foods with yeast
- monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- nuts
- processed meats
Certain compounds in these foods, such as the phenolic (aromatic) compounds in fruits and alcohol, may play a role in migraine. Many of these compounds interact with different pathways in the brain involved in the development of a migraine episode.
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Psychological stress
A wide variety of factors can cause psychological stress. You may experience both minor and major sources of stress, such as:
- injuries or accidents
- physical or mental health conditions
- loss
Stress is a well-known trigger for both migraine and vestibular migraine. In fact, in the 2007 study mentioned above, almost 80 percent trusted Source of study participants cited stress as a trigger for migraine symptoms.
Sleep disturbances
Sleep disturbances can include difficulty falling and staying asleep as well as poor sleep quality. These are vestibular migraine triggers. Over the long term, the impact of stress on your brain can also lead to changes that coincide with increased migraine frequency.
Certain medications
Certain medications, especially those that alter hormone levels or affect blood vessel dilation, may trigger vestibular migraine as a side effect. In addition, some medications may be more likely to cause vestibular migraine if they’re taken too frequently.
Medications that may trigger vestibular migraine headaches include:
- analgesics
- antidepressants
- combination pain relievers
- ergotamine
- hormone replacement therapy
- opioids
- oral contraceptives
- triptans