Approximately 40% of individuals who get frequent migraines have Vestibular/vertigo-like symptoms (decreased balance and/or dizziness) associated with their migraine. Some individual's may not have pain associated with their Migraine at all, but rather have sensations of dizziness or unsteadiness. Other symptoms that may occur are nausea, vomiting, ringing in your ear(s), sound sensitivity, light sensitivity, anxiety, and neck pain. Common triggers that can spike Vestibular Migraines are:
Processed foods
Smoked meats
Soy, vinegar, and yeast extract
Fermented foods
Onions, olives, pickles
Alcohol
Artificial sweeteners
nuts & peanut butter
Chocolate
Excessive caffeine (coffee, tea, soda)
Some fruits: figs, avocados, passion fruit, papaya, banana, limes, and lemons
Changes in weather (increase or decrease in Barometric-pressure)
Increase in stress levels
Some Medications
Poor or lack of sleep
Hormonal changes
People getting the symptoms as described above with no associated headache, get extensive testing, at the hospital or emergency room, and are often left with a lot of unanswered questions (as test results are commonly within normal ranges). A neurologist would be a good follow up for more information regarding diagnosis. Treatment for Vestibular Migraines is often lifestyle modifications, Physical Therapy (Vestibular Rehab), & medication.
Common Vestibular Rehab exercises are VOR (Vestibular Ocular reflex) exercises, gaze stability exercises, balance exercises, to promote improved spatial awareness, habituation exercises, and vestibulo-visual interaction exercises. The velocity & intensity of these exercise matters, and needs to be matched to the velocity/intensity of test findings. Exercises will likely be performed on a variety of surfaces, which will require the Vestibular system to work more or less depending on the surface and the needs of the individual.
Below is a link to an idea of what VOR exercises look like:
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Remember this information is for educational purposes only and should not be used for evaluative or treatment. Consult your Primary Care Physician (PCP) or other medical professionals for more information.
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