Understanding Key Vestibular Migraine Symptoms
Written by Nishant Garund
Medically Reviewed by
Dr.Varuni Agarwal
Dr. Varuni Agarwal is an esteemed Ayurvedic physician specializing in
diagnosing diseases through Ayurvedic dosha imbalances and providing personalized treatments. She
focuses on ahara (diet) and vihara (lifestyle) to manage and heal various ailments.
Vestibular migraines can be quite difficult and solitary to experience. Common symptoms include vertigo, which can happen quickly and leave you feeling scared and disoriented, balance problems, and dizziness. Because these episodes are unpredictable, many people find that going about their daily business becomes intimidating. They can throw off their pattern and make them feel uneasy. Recognising the emotional toll this might have is crucial since you could feel misinterpreted or frustrated by people around you. Remember that you are not alone in your struggles; there are plenty of people who can assist you.
Table of Contents
Symptoms Of Vestibular Migraine
Vestibular migraines can occur with or without a real headache, and the patient may suffer a combination of vestibular attacks, visual aura, or sensitivity to motion and visual stimulation at different periods. The symptoms of vestibular migraine can vary widely in terms of severity and length. The following symptoms may be present in combination with vestibular migraines:
- Vertigo or lightheadedness are two possible symptoms of dizziness. This vertigo could linger for a few minutes or for several days.
- Balance Issues: A lot of people have trouble staying balanced, which makes them feel shaky or unsteady.
- Sensitivity to Motion: Certain activities, like walking or utilising escalators, can intensify symptoms and make you feel more lightheaded or disoriented.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Dizziness and balance issues can cause nausea and, in certain situations, vomiting.
- Headaches: Although they are not usually experienced, headaches, which resemble traditional migraines, can happen. Usually, one side of the head has a throbbing pain.
- Visual Disturbances: During an episode, some people claim to have blurred vision, trouble focussing, or other visual symptoms.
- Sensitivity to Light and Sound: Vestibular migraines have the same potential to increase sensitivity to loud noises and bright lights as standard migraines.
- Tinnitus: During an episode, some people may experience buzzing or ringing in their ears.
- Aura : Less frequently occurring, aura symptoms might cause visual abnormalities or tingling feelings before dizziness sets in.
- Fatigue and Cognitive Changes: After an episode, people frequently feel tired, and some may have trouble focussing or have mental fog.
Individual differences in symptoms can be significant, and not all symptoms may be present during every episode. Let’s look at some common symptoms in detail.
Chronic Vestibular Migraine Symptoms
Chronic vestibular migraine (CVM) is a condition characterised by severe headaches, vertigo, and sensitivity to light and sound. The exact cause of CVM is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic factors, environmental triggers, and certain lifestyle habits. It can affect anyone but is more likely to affect middle-aged people born female.
Complications of CVM include persistent symptoms
- leading to constant discomfort,
- increased sensitivity to light and sound,
- impaired balance, and
- increased risk of other conditions like Meniere disease or benign positional vertigo.
Risk factors include age and gender, pre-existing mental health conditions, previous head trauma, and family history of migraine.
Diagnosing CVM can be challenging due to its varied symptoms and lack of diagnostic tests. A positive diagnosis requires at least five episodes lasting 5 minutes to 72 hours, including pain location, sensation, and physical activity. A physical exam may also be needed to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
Treatment for CVM focusses on reducing the frequency and severity of migraine episodes. CVM episodes can become chronic, meaning symptoms, particularly vertigo and dizziness, can persist over a long period. The stages of CVM are premonitory, aura, headache, and postdrome. Common treatments include
- Medication, lifestyle modifications, vestibular rehabilitation, and CGRP medications.
- Lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining regular sleep and staying hydrated, avoiding triggers, taking preventive migraine medications, and vestibular therapy, can help manage symptoms.
- Stress management is important because stress is often the most common trigger, followed by altered sleep patterns, caffeine, and the menstrual cycle. Research indicates a significant link between CVM and increased levels of anxiety.
- A Mediterranean diet may have some benefits for people with migraine, but more research is needed. Overall, there is no cure for CVM, but many treatments are available, from prevention to medication and rehabilitation.
Vestibular Migraine Symptoms Without Headache
Vestibular migraine without headache, often referred to as vestibular migraine or migraine-associated vertigo, primarily involves vestibular symptoms without the accompanying headache typically seen in classic migraines. Here’s an overview of this condition:
- Dizziness and vertigo are common symptoms of this condition, which can last from a few minutes to several hours or days.
- Balance issues can also be significant, increasing the risk of falls.
- Motion sensitivity can exacerbate symptoms, making navigation difficult.
- Nausea can accompany dizziness, and visual disturbances may occur, particularly during episodes.
- Tinnitus may also be present.
- Cognitive difficulties, such as "brain fog," can affect daily activities and work performance.
- Fatigue can result from managing dizziness and balance, while mood changes can contribute to anxiety, irritability, and feelings of frustration or isolation.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing vestibular migraine without headache can be challenging, as symptoms may overlap with other vestibular disorders. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and possibly additional testing (like balance tests or imaging studies) are often necessary to rule out other conditions.
Management Strategies
Managing vestibular migraine without headache typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, therapeutic interventions, and sometimes medication
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, staying hydrated, and managing stress can help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.
This specialised form of physical therapy can improve balance and reduce dizziness through targeted exercises.
Consult with a healthcare provider about medications that may help manage symptoms, including vestibular suppressants or preventive migraine medications.
Identifying and avoiding specific triggers (such as certain foods, stress, or environmental factors) can be essential in managing the condition.
Vestibular Migraine Aura Symptoms
Even in the absence of a headache, aura symptoms can occasionally accompany vestibular migraine. The following are typical aura symptoms linked to vestibular migraine:
Visual Disturbances
- Flashes of Light: Areas of bright light that flicker or appear in your field of vision.
- Zigzag Patterns: These are geometric forms or wavy lines that might skew your field of vision.
- Blind Spots: Scotomas or transient blind spots.
Sensory Modifications
- Tingling or Numbness: Usually confined to one side, sensations in the hands, face, or other body parts.
- Modified Sensation: Pressure or heaviness in the extremities.
Auditory Symptoms
- Tinnitus: Sometimes the visual aura is accompanied by ringing or buzzing in the ears.
- During the aura phase, a spinning or disoriented sensation may occur, causing problems with balance.
Symptoms of the Brain
- Difficulty Concentrating: Having trouble concentrating or feeling disoriented.
- Confusion: A sense of being lost or having trouble understanding.
Emotional Shifts
- Anxiety or Irritability: Mood swings or elevated anxiety may coexist with aura symptoms.
Length
- The duration of aura symptoms varies between several minutes and approximately sixty minutes, and they could come on before vestibular symptoms.
Vestibular migraine without headache can be a complex and often misunderstood condition. If you suspect you have this disorder, it’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and a tailored management plan. Effective treatment techniques and diagnostics can help reduce symptoms and enhance quality of life. Support groups and educational resources can also provide valuable assistance and community for those affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if you have vestibular migraine?
Vertigular migraines are a type of migraine that can be diagnosed through a combination of symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic criteria. Symptoms include dizziness or vertigo, balance issues, nausea, and visual disturbances. A thorough physical examination may be conducted to rule out other conditions.
What is the root cause of vestibular migraines?
Vestibular migraines are dizziness and vertigo caused by genetic predisposition, neurological changes, vestibular system dysfunction, triggers, inner ear issues, and physical and mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, hormonal changes, and environmental factors.
What is the most common trigger of vestibular migraine?
Vestibular migraines can be triggered by various factors, including stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, dehydration, sleep disturbances, environmental factors, motion sensitivity, and weather changes. Emotional stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, dehydration, sleep disturbances, environmental factors, and weather changes can all contribute to the onset of migraines.