VESTIBULAR MIGRAINES

Vestibular migraines are common migraines that occur with dizziness and balance disturbances as the predominant symptom. 

Your vestibular system (your balance centre) is overexcited in a vestibular migraine. Therefore, anything that challenges your vestibular system, including challenges to your eyes, ears and sense of touch, are more likely to set off an attack. 

Symptoms of a vestibular migraine can include but are not limited to: 

• Headache
• Nausea and/or vomiting
•  Light and/or sound sensitivity
• Dizziness
• Feelings of offbalance
• Lack of coordination
• Visual disturbances
• Blocked ear

Attacks can last for seconds, a whole day or feelings of dizziness can be constant. Vestibular migraines can develop in people who were experiencing other forms of headache disorders and are more likely to affect women more than men. Due to the dizziness, there is a strong link between vestibular migraines and feelings of anxiety.