Vestibular Migraine

Vestibular migraine is a type of migraine disorder that is characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo, dizziness, and other vestibular symptoms. It is estimated that vestibular migraine affects up to 10% of the population, making it one of the most common causes of vertigo.

Causes of Vestibular Migraine

The exact cause of vestibular migraine is unknown, but it is believed to be related to changes in the brainstem and/or the inner ear. It is also thought to be triggered by certain environmental factors, such as stress, certain foods, and certain medications.

Diagnosis of Vestibular Migraine

Vestibular migraine is typically diagnosed based on a person’s medical history and a physical examination. Other tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be used to rule out other causes of vertigo.

Complications of Vestibular Migraine

Vestibular migraine can lead to a number of complications, including balance problems, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue. It can also lead to an increased risk of falls and other accidents.

Living with Vestibular Migraine

Living with vestibular migraine can be difficult, but there are a number of strategies that can help. These include avoiding triggers, getting enough rest, and managing stress. It is also important to talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some medications can make vestibular migraine worse.

Common Symptoms of Vestibular Migraine

• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Imbalance
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Visual disturbances
• Hearing disturbances
• Tinnitus
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue

These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, and may be accompanied by other migraine symptoms such as aura, photophobia, and phonophobia. It is important to note that not everyone with vestibular migraine will experience all of these symptoms.

Diagnosing Vestibular Migraine

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to speak to your doctor. Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history. They may also order tests such as an MRI or CT scan to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

Once a diagnosis of vestibular migraine is made, your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes and medications to help manage your symptoms. These may include avoiding triggers, such as certain foods or stress, as well as medications to reduce the frequency and intensity of your migraines.

Living with Vestibular Migraine

Living with vestibular migraine can be difficult, but there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and reduce the frequency and intensity of your migraines. It is important to speak to your doctor about your symptoms and any lifestyle changes or medications that may help. Additionally, it is important to get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can trigger vestibular migraine. This is because hormones can affect the body’s balance system, which can lead to dizziness and other symptoms of vestibular migraine.

Stress

Stress is a common trigger for many types of migraines, including vestibular migraine. Stress can cause the body to become tense, which can lead to dizziness and other symptoms of vestibular migraine.

Medications

Certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, can trigger vestibular migraine. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are taking any medications that may be causing your vestibular migraine.

Foods

Certain foods, such as aged cheeses, processed meats, and alcohol, can trigger vestibular migraine. It is important to keep a food diary to identify any potential triggers.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, such as loud noises, bright lights, and strong smells, can trigger vestibular migraine. It is important to avoid these triggers if possible.

Medical History

The first step in diagnosing vestibular migraine is to take a detailed medical history. This includes questions about the patient's symptoms, such as when they started, how long they last, and what triggers them. The doctor will also ask about any other medical conditions the patient may have, as well as any medications they are taking.

Physical Exam

The doctor will also perform a physical exam to look for any signs of vestibular migraine. This includes checking the patient's balance, hearing, and vision. The doctor may also order tests such as an MRI or CT scan to look for any abnormalities in the inner ear.

Vestibular Tests

Vestibular tests are used to measure the patient's balance and coordination. These tests can help the doctor determine if the patient is experiencing vestibular migraine or another condition. Common tests include the electronystagmogram (ENG) and the vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) test.

Diagnostic Criteria

In order to be diagnosed with vestibular migraine, the patient must meet certain criteria. This includes having at least five episodes of vertigo or dizziness lasting between 5 minutes and 72 hours, with at least one episode lasting more than 24 hours. The patient must also have at least one of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, or difficulty concentrating.

Conclusion

Diagnosing vestibular migraine can be difficult, as the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. However, by taking a detailed medical history, performing a physical exam, and ordering tests such as an ENG or VEMP, doctors can make an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, the patient must meet certain criteria in order to be diagnosed with vestibular migraine.

Medical History

Your doctor will want to know your medical history, including any other medical conditions you may have, any medications you are taking, and any family history of migraine or other neurological conditions. This information will help your doctor determine if vestibular migraine is the cause of your symptoms.

Symptoms

Your doctor will want to know the details of your symptoms, including when they started, how often they occur, and how long they last. It is also important to tell your doctor if you have any triggers that seem to make your symptoms worse. This information will help your doctor determine the best course of treatment.

Treatment Options

Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms. It is important to discuss all of your treatment options with your doctor to determine the best plan for you.

Follow-Up Appointments

Your doctor may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan if necessary. It is important to keep all of your follow-up appointments to ensure that your treatment is working and that your symptoms are being managed.

Questions

It is important to ask your doctor any questions you may have about your condition and treatment. Your doctor is there to help you understand your condition and make sure you are getting the best care possible.

Medications

Medications are the most common treatment for vestibular migraine. These include medications to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, as well as medications to reduce the symptoms of vertigo. Common medications used to treat vestibular migraine include anti-nausea medications, anti-anxiety medications, and anti-seizure medications.

Lifestyle Changes

Making lifestyle changes can also help reduce the frequency and severity of vestibular migraine attacks. These changes include avoiding triggers such as stress, certain foods, and bright lights. It is also important to get enough sleep and exercise regularly. Additionally, relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation can help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation is a type of physical therapy that can help reduce the symptoms of vestibular migraine. This type of therapy can help improve balance and reduce dizziness. It can also help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Vestibular rehabilitation is typically done in a physical therapist's office, but can also be done at home.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat vestibular migraine. This type of surgery is typically done to reduce the pressure on the vestibular nerve, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Surgery is usually only recommended if other treatments have not been successful.

Conclusion

Vestibular migraine is a type of migraine that affects the vestibular system. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help manage the condition. These treatments include medications, lifestyle changes, vestibular rehabilitation, and in some cases, surgery. It is important to talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are often used to treat vestibular migraine. They can help reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks, as well as reduce the associated anxiety and depression. Commonly prescribed antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil, as well as tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil.

Anti-seizure Medications

Anti-seizure medications, such as Topamax, Neurontin, and Lyrica, are sometimes used to treat vestibular migraine. These medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks, as well as reduce the associated anxiety and depression.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers, such as Inderal and Tenormin, are sometimes used to treat vestibular migraine. These medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks, as well as reduce the associated anxiety and depression.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers, such as Verapamil and Diltiazem, are sometimes used to treat vestibular migraine. These medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks, as well as reduce the associated anxiety and depression.

Botox

Botox injections are sometimes used to treat vestibular migraine. These injections can help reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks, as well as reduce the associated anxiety and depression.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation is a type of physical therapy that can help reduce the symptoms of vestibular migraine. It involves exercises that help retrain the brain to better process and interpret signals from the inner ear. Vestibular rehabilitation can help reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks, as well as reduce the associated anxiety and depression.

What to Eat

When living with vestibular migraine, it is important to eat a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce the frequency and severity of vestibular migraine attacks. Additionally, eating foods that are high in magnesium, such as nuts, seeds, and dark leafy greens, can help reduce the symptoms of vestibular migraine.

It is also important to stay hydrated when living with vestibular migraine. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Additionally, drinking herbal teas, such as chamomile or ginger tea, can help reduce the symptoms of vestibular migraine.

What to Avoid

When living with vestibular migraine, it is important to avoid certain foods and drinks that can trigger attacks. Caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods should be avoided as they can trigger vestibular migraine attacks. Additionally, foods that are high in sugar, such as candy and soda, should be avoided as they can cause blood sugar spikes that can trigger attacks.

It is also important to avoid foods that are high in sodium, such as processed meats and canned soups. Eating too much sodium can cause dehydration, which can trigger vestibular migraine attacks. Additionally, it is important to avoid foods that are high in MSG, such as Chinese food, as MSG can trigger vestibular migraine attacks.

Conclusion

Eating a healthy diet can help reduce the frequency and severity of vestibular migraine attacks. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce the symptoms of vestibular migraine. Additionally, drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, and foods that are high in sodium and MSG can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for managing vestibular migraine. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, and create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down.

Reduce Stress

Stress can trigger vestibular migraine episodes, so it’s important to find ways to reduce stress in your life. Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. Exercise can also help reduce stress and improve your overall health. Talk to your doctor about other ways to manage stress.

Avoid Triggers

Certain foods, smells, and activities can trigger vestibular migraine episodes. Keep a diary to identify your triggers and avoid them as much as possible. Common triggers include caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, strong smells, and bright lights.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can trigger vestibular migraine episodes, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid sugary drinks. You can also try herbal teas or electrolyte drinks to help keep your body hydrated.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet can help reduce the frequency and severity of vestibular migraine episodes. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit processed foods and sugar. Avoid foods that are known triggers for you, and talk to your doctor about taking supplements to help manage your symptoms.

Get Regular Exercise

Exercise can help reduce stress and improve your overall health. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, such as walking, swimming, or cycling. Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

Seek Professional Help

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to manage your symptoms, talk to your doctor about other treatments. Your doctor may recommend medications, physical therapy, or other treatments to help you cope with vestibular migraine.