What is it?
Vestibular migraine is a type of migraine in which the main problem is dizziness or vertigo, not always headache. It is a common cause of repeated dizziness, especially in women and in people with a history of migraine headaches.
Common symptoms
- Episodes of vertigo or dizziness lasting minutes to hours, sometimes days
- Headache before, during or after – or no headache at all
- Sensitivity to light, sound or smells
- Feeling worse while travelling or in busy places
- Triggers such as poor sleep, skipped meals or stress
How we diagnose it here
- Diagnosis is mainly based on your history and the pattern of symptoms
- VNG, Head Impulse Test and posturography help rule out inner ear causes such as BPPV or Meniere’s disease
- A hearing test if there are ear symptoms
Tests used: VNG – Videonystagmography Functional Head Impulse Test Computerised Posturography
Treatment options
- Finding and avoiding your triggers (a symptom diary helps)
- Regular sleep, meals and enough water
- Medicines for attacks and, when needed, preventive medicines
- Vestibular rehabilitation exercises
The right treatment for you is decided by the doctor after examination and tests.
When to seek urgent care
If you have sudden severe dizziness with weakness, slurred speech, chest pain or loss of consciousness, go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately.