Some of my patients with migraine  complain of dizziness. Dizziness, the sensation of spinning  can accompany migraine attacks or can occur on days without headache. We call this situation “vestibular migraine”, i.e. vertigo due to migraine.

1. How is it diagnosed?

For the diagnosis of vestibular migraine, first of all, a person is asked whether there is a history of migraine. It is also evaluated whether there is another ear or brain disease that will cause dizziness. Sometimes migraine in children can manifest itself with recurrent episodes of dizziness without causing headaches.

2. What are the symptoms?

In vestibular migraine, dizziness can occur spontaneously, as well as triggered or increased by the movement of the head. The person may feel unbalanced while walking.

3.How long does Vertigo last?

The duration of dizziness attacks vary from person to person. Before, during or after a migraine attack, dizziness can last from 5 minutes to 72 hours.

4. How is an exact diagnosis made?

At least half of dizziness attacks in vestibular migraine are accompanied by headaches that suggest migraine. This headache can be unilateral and throbbing. Headache may be accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, aura, nausea or vomiting.

5. What is the treatment?

Preventive treatment stands out in vestibular migraine. In this regard, a lifestyle avoided triggers and drug therapy under the supervision of a neurologist improves the quality of life and helps to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.