By Father Bob Migraines are often associated with intense headaches, sensitivity to light, and nausea. However, not all migraines present with pain. Vestibular migraines are a type of migraine that primarily affects balance and coordination, causing dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness. For many sufferers, these symptoms can be just as debilitating as a traditional migraine and can significantly impact daily activities.
Understanding what vestibular migraines are, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for managing this condition effectively. In this article, we’ll explore the complexities of vestibular migraines and how to alleviate symptoms through lifestyle changes and professional treatment.
What Are Vestibular Migraines?
Vestibular migraines, also known as migraine-associated vertigo, are a neurological condition that affects the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial awareness. Unlike typical migraines, which are characterised by severe head pain, vestibular migraines may not always involve a headache. Instead, sufferers experience:
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Dizziness or vertigo
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Unsteadiness and loss of balance
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Motion sensitivity (discomfort when moving the head or body)
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Nausea and vomiting
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Sensitivity to light, sound, and certain smells
These episodes can last from a few minutes to several hours or even days, making it difficult to perform daily activities. Seeking professional help from Core Physio can provide patients with a tailored treatment approach to manage symptoms effectively.
What Causes Vestibular Migraines?
The exact cause of vestibular migraines is not fully understood, but researchers believe they result from abnormal brain activity affecting the nervous system and vestibular pathways. Several factors can trigger an episode, including:
1. Genetic Predisposition
Migraines, including vestibular migraines, often run in families. If close relatives suffer from migraines, there is a higher chance of developing the condition.
2. Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in oestrogen levels, such as those occurring during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can increase the likelihood of vestibular migraines. This is why women are more commonly affected than men.
3. Stress and Anxiety
Emotional stress can act as a significant trigger for migraines. High levels of stress cause changes in brain chemicals and neurotransmitters, which may lead to dizziness and vertigo episodes.
4. Dietary Triggers
Certain foods and beverages can contribute to migraine attacks, such as:
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Caffeine and alcohol
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Processed foods high in preservatives
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Aged cheeses and cured meats
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Artificial sweeteners and MSG
5. Sleep Disturbances
A lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns can increase the frequency of migraines. Proper sleep hygiene is essential for managing symptoms.
6. Environmental Triggers
Bright lights, strong odours, loud noises, and even weather changes can trigger vestibular migraines in some individuals.
7. Underlying Medical Conditions
Certain conditions, such as inner ear disorders (Meniere’s disease) or previous head injuries, can increase the risk of developing vestibular migraines.
Symptoms of Vestibular Migraines
Vestibular migraine symptoms vary from person to person, but the most common include:
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Vertigo or dizziness – A sensation of spinning or swaying, even when stationary.
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Motion sensitivity – Feeling disoriented or unbalanced with head movements.
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Nausea and vomiting – Often linked to dizziness and vertigo.
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Head pressure or mild headache – While some patients experience full migraines, others only feel pressure in the head.
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Ear-related symptoms – Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or temporary hearing disturbances.
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Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells – Common migraine-related symptoms.
If you’re experiencing frequent dizziness and balance issues, seeking headache treatment in Adelaide can help diagnose and manage vestibular migraines effectively.
How Are Vestibular Migraines Diagnosed?
There is no single test for vestibular migraines. Instead, a healthcare professional will assess symptoms, medical history, and potential triggers. Diagnosis is often based on:
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A history of migraine episodes (with or without headaches)
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At least five episodes of vertigo lasting between 5 minutes to 72 hours
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No evidence of other inner ear or neurological conditions
In some cases, doctors may recommend balance tests, hearing exams, or MRI scans to rule out other causes of dizziness.
Best Ways to Manage Vestibular Migraines
Since vestibular migraines are a chronic condition, effective management focuses on reducing symptom frequency and severity.
1. Identifying and Avoiding Triggers
Keeping a migraine diary can help identify patterns related to food, stress, sleep, and environmental triggers. Once recognised, avoiding these triggers can significantly reduce episodes.
2. Lifestyle Adjustments
Making small lifestyle changes can help prevent migraines:
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Maintain a consistent sleep schedule – Aim for 7–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
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Stay hydrated – Dehydration can worsen migraine symptoms.
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Reduce stress – Relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help.
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Limit caffeine and alcohol – Both can trigger vestibular migraines in sensitive individuals.
3. Physiotherapy for Balance and Coordination
Vestibular physiotherapy focuses on improving balance, reducing dizziness, and strengthening coordination. A trained physiotherapist can design a custom exercise program to help retrain the brain’s response to motion and spatial awareness.
4. Medications for Symptom Relief
Depending on severity, doctors may prescribe:
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Migraine preventatives – Beta-blockers, antidepressants, or anti-seizure medications.
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Vestibular suppressants – Medications like meclizine or benzodiazepines can reduce dizziness.
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Anti-nausea drugs – Help manage motion sickness and vomiting.
5. Regular Exercise and Physical Therapy
Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or gentle stretching can enhance circulation and reduce migraine severity. For more targeted treatment, physiotherapists at Core Physio offer specialised therapy programs.
6. Diet Modifications
Since food plays a role in migraines, a healthy, balanced diet with minimal processed foods and artificial additives is recommended. Some migraine sufferers benefit from reducing sodium intake to manage fluid balance in the inner ear.
7. Alternative Therapies
Some people find relief with:
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Acupuncture – May help reduce migraine frequency.
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Chiropractic care – Can relieve tension-related migraine symptoms.
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Herbal supplements – Magnesium, riboflavin (Vitamin B2), and CoQ10 may support migraine prevention.
When to Seek Professional Help
Vestibular migraines can significantly affect daily life, making it important to seek medical advice if:
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Episodes become frequent and severe
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Dizziness interferes with work, driving, or daily activities
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Traditional migraine treatments are not effective
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Other symptoms such as vision problems or hearing loss appear
Physiotherapists and migraine specialists offering headache treatment in Adelaide can provide personalised treatment plans to help regain stability and improve overall well-being.
Vestibular migraines can be debilitating, but with the right management approach, sufferers can regain control over their symptoms and lead a normal, active life. Whether through lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, or medical treatment, a combination of strategies is often the most effective.
For those struggling with vestibular migraines, seeking professional support from Core Physio or a migraine specialist can help create a tailored treatment plan for long-term relief. By understanding triggers, symptoms, and management techniques, individuals can reduce the impact of vestibular migraines and regain their sense of balance and stability.
