The Migraine Freedom Blog by Debbie Waidl

Unraveling the Mysteries of Vestibular Migraine

Vestibular migraine, a term often unheard of until experienced firsthand, affects up to 40% of individuals with migraines.

Vestibular migraine is considered to be the second most common cause of vertigo and the most common cause of spontaneous episodic vertigo.

“Vestibular” refers to the inner ear, which controls your hearing and balance. This system helps the body maintain balance.

“Vertigo” refers to problems in the inner ear that might cause

Dizziness that lasts more than a few minutes
Nausea and vomiting
Balance problems
Extreme motion sensitivity – feeling sick or dizzy when you move your head, eyes, or body
A feeling of disorientation or confusion
An unsteady feeling, like you’re in a rocking boat
Sensitivity to sound

While I, personally, never experienced dizziness issues during my decade-long battle with daily migraines, many individuals struggle with vertigo, lightheadedness, or an unsettling sense of unsteadiness that disrupts their daily lives.

**Understanding Vestibular Migraine: What You Need to Know**

Your doctor may have explained that vestibular migraine is a nervous system disorder characterized by recurrent dizziness in individuals with a history of migraines. Unlike traditional migraines, vestibular migraines may occur without the presence of a headache, making diagnosis and treatment challenging.

**Signs and Symptoms of Vestibular Migraine**

Typical symptoms include vertigo, nausea, balance issues, motion sensitivity, disorientation, and sensitivity to sound, often lasting from minutes to hours. These symptoms, often increasing with age, can significantly impact daily activities, including driving, working, and traveling.

**Diagnosis and Management**

Diagnosing vestibular migraine relies heavily on clinical criteria established by medical professionals. A comprehensive evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, helps differentiate vestibular migraines from other conditions such as Meniere's disease or brainstem stroke.

**Conventional vs. Root Cause Approach to Treatment**

Conventional treatments aim to manage symptoms with medications like triptans, propranolol, and vestibular suppressants or therapies such as vestibular rehabilitation.

However, a more foundational approach addresses lifestyle modifications, threshold versus trigger focus, and stress reduction to raise the migraine threshold and reduce and even eliminate symptoms.

**Empowering Yourself Through Knowledge and Support**

Despite the challenges posed by vestibular migraines, there is hope for reducing and even ending symptoms and getting back to living your life.

By seeking support from the member of your healthcare team most qualified to support migraine, and adopting personalized strategies… you can navigate your health journey and find hope.

**You're Not Alone**

Remember, understanding your symptoms, seeking appropriate care, and adopting personalized strategies are key steps toward reclaiming control over your health.

If you're struggling with vestibular migraines, know that you're not alone, and support is available.

If you need assistance or have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

**Empowering Yourself Through Knowledge and Support**

Despite the challenges posed by vestibular migraines, there is hope for reducing and even ending symptoms and getting back to living your life.

By seeking support from the member of your healthcare team most qualified to support migraine, and adopting personalized strategies… you can navigate your health journey and find hope.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debbie Waidl is the Owner of In The Balance Health Coaching LLC, and Founder of The Freedom From Migraines Method™ & The Migraine Freedom Protocol™
She supports busy moms living with Migraines.

Debbie will uncover what is holding them back from migraine freedom so they can live their life pain and symptom free, work productively, spend the time they want with family and friends, and stop missing out on the things they enjoy.

A message from Debbie:
"I was once right where you are now. 100% believing there was NO WAY to end migraines and my only option was to learn how to live with them or find that magic pill that maybe would work for a while. If anyone told me back then that I could end my pain once and for all, I would have called BS and popped another pill!

Skeptical times 10 was my middle name for sure because when you try it all and everyone tells you they can help you and they don’t. You stop believing… you lose HOPE!

I now realize I was approaching my migraines all backward.

I was trying to cover up symptoms versus trying to end my pain."

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