Vestibular migraine is a form of migraine where the main symptom is vertigo or dizziness. Many people with it do not have a headache during their spins, which is one reason it can take a while to recognise.
What it can feel like
- Spells of vertigo or dizziness that last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days.
- Feeling unsteady, swaying, or that the ground is moving.
- Being bothered by head movement or busy visual scenes such as scrolling, traffic or supermarket aisles.
- Migraine features during some spins: headache, sensitivity to light or sound, or visual aura such as zig-zag lines.
- Nausea, tiredness and a foggy head afterwards.
Some people have had classic migraine headaches for years before the dizziness starts. Others notice migraine features only when they look back.
What sets it off
Triggers are often the same as for migraine, and they differ from person to person:
- Poor or changed sleep
- Stress, or the drop after a stressful time
- Skipped meals or dehydration
- Certain foods and drinks for some people, such as aged cheese, alcohol or caffeine changes
- Hormonal changes, such as around a period
- Weather changes, especially in air pressure
- Bright or flickering light, loud noise and busy visual environments
How it is diagnosed
There is no single test. A doctor, usually a neurologist or an ENT specialist with an interest in balance, looks at your pattern of spins, your migraine history and your examination, and rules out other causes. A clear diary of spins, triggers and symptoms helps a lot.
How it is managed
Management is usually led by a neurologist and may include finding and reducing triggers, regular sleep and meals, medicines to treat or prevent attacks, and vestibular rehabilitation exercises. What suits you is something to decide with your doctor.
Vestibular migraine in VertigoMe
- If you choose Vestibular migraine as your subtype, the spin log keeps a Headache page, where you can rate head pain and mark where it hurts on a head diagram.
- Triggers, warning signs, sleep, weather and food logging all feed the bucket idea behind your risk score.
- The Full Report helps you show your pattern at an appointment.
When to get help straight away
Vertigo with a sudden severe headache, double vision, slurred speech, a drooping face, or weakness or numbness on one side needs emergency care. Do not assume it is your usual migraine. See When to see a doctor about vertigo.
This is general information only. It cannot tell you what is causing your symptoms. Please speak to your GP, ENT, neurologist or audiologist about your own situation.
