People usually think that migraines are simply “bad headaches,” but those who experience them recognize that in fact they may be accompanied by a variety of neurological symptoms.

One of those symptoms that has puzzled many is vertigo, that sudden feeling that you, or the space around you, is spinning. But do migraines really cause vertigo?

Yes, is the answer, and in the following blog, we’ll talk you through the two conditions and what can be done about it.

What Is Migraine-Associated Vertigo?

Migraine-Associated Vertigo (MAV), also referred to in some places as vestibular migraine, is a type of migraine that has its effects predominantly on balance and orientation in space and less so on causing pain in the head.

Individuals with MAV either do or do not get the typical throbbing pain associated with migraines.

Rather, individuals with MAV may experience brief episodes of dizziness, spinning, imbalance, nausea, or motion sickness. Such episodes persist between a few minutes and several hours.

Why Do Migraines Trigger Vertigo?

The precise mechanism by which migraines trigger vertigo is currently under investigation, but it has to do with the interaction of the brain with the inner ear and nervous system.

In a migraine, chemical and electrical activity in the brain can temporarily alter the way that your inner ear operates, which is in charge of balance.

Blood vessels constrict, nerve pathways become overactive, and sensory processing is interrupted—all of which can result in a bout of vertigo.

In short, your brain gets overloaded and misfires, affecting the signals it sends to your vestibular system (the part responsible for balance and motion sensing).

Who Is At Risk?

Individuals with histories of migraines, motion sickness, and familial histories of vestibular disorders are more susceptible to experiencing migrainous vertigo.

It is most typically observed in adults between the ages of 30 and 50 years, but may be seen in children and adolescents as well. Women experience it more than men because of the role of hormonal effects.

How Is It Diagnosed?

There is no definitive test to diagnose migraine-related vertigo. Diagnosis is typically the exclusion of other causes of dizziness by hearing tests, balance tests, MRI, or CT scans.

Your history of migraines, frequency of episodes of vertigo, and associated symptoms may be questioned by a neurologist or an ENT specialist. Maintaining a symptom diary may be helpful in an accurate diagnosis.

Dr. Navin Tiwari
Consulting Neurologist

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