Migraine and Vertigo: What to Do

It's Monday morning, and you wake up feeling groggy and disoriented. As you sit up in bed, a wave of dizziness hits you, causing the room to spin. You try to shake off the sensation, but it persists, leaving you feeling unsteady on your feet.

Throughout the day, you struggle to focus on your work. The constant spinning sensation makes it hard to concentrate, and the pounding headache only adds to your discomfort. You try to push through. But how long will this last? And will it happen again in the future?

This is one example of life with migraine and vertigo.

The Connection Between Migraine and Vertigo

Migraine and vertigo often go hand in hand, causing a range of symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. According to headache medicine specialist Regina Krel, M.D., migraine is a syndrome which can have different symptoms in different people, and there's a lot of misinformation out there about it.

A migraine is a type of headache disorder that comes with recurrent episodes of moderate to severe head pain. It also may involve:

• Pain that’s usually on one side of the head
• A pounding or pulsing feeling
• Association with light and/or sound sensitivity
• Nausea or vomiting
• An aura which can include numbness or tingling, seeing zig-zag lines/spots, etc.
• Brain fog or slowness of processing during a migraine attack

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness that can make you feel like you or your surroundings are moving, even when you're still. Its symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Hearing loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Spinning sensation or feeling unbalanced
• Sweating

The connection between migraine and vertigo isn't fully understood, but it's believed to stem from sensory processing issues related to head pain. Many migraine sufferers will also experience symptoms of vertigo during their migraine attack but sometimes independent of it, causing a range of symptoms that can significantly impact daily life.

Research shows a notable correlation between migraine and vertigo. For example,one study found that 25 percent of migraine sufferers also experienced vertigo.Other findings revealed that people with migraines reported experiencing vertigo and dizzy spells 2.5 times more often than people without headaches, even when they weren’t having a migraine.

What Can You Do About Migraine and Vertigo?

If you find yourself grappling with the challenges of migraine and vertigo, there are steps you can take to alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life. Here's what you can do:

Get a Diagnosis

Vestibular migraine is sometimes challenging to identify, but diagnosis is the first step. Consult with a health care professional if you experience recurring episodes of migraine and vertigo. Your doctor can help diagnose your condition accurately and recommend the right treatment options, which could include:

• Medications to alleviate pain and nausea
• Medications to reduce the frequency of episodes
• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy to improve balance and reduce dizziness

Keep a Symptom Diary

Tracking your symptoms in a diary can provide valuable insights into your migraine and vertigo patterns. Note the frequency, duration and severity of your episodes and any potential triggers or associated symptoms. This information can help you and your health care provider identify patterns and develop a management plan that works for you.

Learn and Avoid Your Triggers

Certain factors, such as stress, lack of sleep, specific foods or environmental elements, can trigger migraine and vertigo episodes. Learn your triggers and take proactive steps to avoid or lower your exposure to them.

Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Healthy habits can help you manage migraine and vertigo. Try to prioritize regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated and keep your stress levels to a minimum. These lifestyle habits can help reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms over time.

“Try to be as regimented with your routine as possible,” advises Dr. Krel. “Our bodies like consistency and any changes can trigger a migraine.”

Stay Informed and Empowered

Educate yourself about migraine and vertigo to better understand your condition and treatment options. It’s a good idea to stay up-to-date on the latest research and developments in migraine and vertigo management. Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek support from health care professionals, support groups or online communities.

“Many people feel their attacks aren’t severe or frequent enough to be migraine,” says Dr. Krel. “If you have headache symptoms that interfere with life, that would be a time to seek medical attention.”

Next Steps & Resources

• Meet our source: Regina Krel, M.D.
• To make an appointment with Dr. Krel or a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
• Learn more about our headache and migraine treatment services.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.