Do you also often feel dizzy and lightheaded? This could be a vestibular migraine!

Do you sometimes feel like you're spinning, your body is spinning, and everything around you is spinning like a spinning top? It's like when you're on a swing or a boat. You may also experience a throbbing headache, difficulty looking at the light, or a ringing in your ears when you hear loud noises. If you suffer from these symptoms, then today's topic will be very important to you. Let's talk about a specific condition called vestibular migraine .

What is Vestibular Migraine? Simply put...

Vestibular migraine is, simply put, a condition that affects our nervous system . The main thing that happens is that you feel dizzy (vertigo) . This dizziness can make you feel like you're off balance , even when you're standing. Some studies have shown that vestibular migraine is the second leading cause of dizziness in people.

It is also known by other names, such as `migraine-associated vertigo (MAV)`, `migraine-related vestibulopathy`, and `migrainous vertigo`. However, we don't need all of these names in everyday speech. Most people know about vestibular migraine.

Doctors and researchers are still trying to figure out exactly whether this is a part of migraine or a separate condition. However, one thing is clear. This condition has a significant impact on people's daily lives , which means it reduces their quality of life. That's why doctors recommend lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medications as treatments.

Is this really a common situation?

Vestibular migraine is a common condition that affects many people. However, vestibular migraine is not that common. A study in the United States found that about 2.7% of the population has vestibular migraine symptoms. It has also been found that a significant percentage of people seeking treatment for dizziness and balance problems have vestibular migraine. So, if you have these symptoms, remember that you are not alone.

What are the symptoms of a vestibular migraine?

The main and most visible symptoms are those related to vertigo . These include:

• Problems with balance occur. You may feel dizzy when standing or walking.
• Feeling dizzy .
• Feeling light-headed or floating (light-headedness) .

This dizziness can come and go in a matter of minutes, or it can last for days. Imagine, what if you were getting ready to go to work and suddenly everything around you started spinning? Or, what if you were in the middle of an important meeting and started to feel dizzy and vomit? This can be really bad, making it impossible to do your daily tasks.

To be precise, this can be a severe feeling, like seasickness on a ship. Some people can even be unable to get out of bed.

In addition to this dizziness, other symptoms may occur:

• Nausea and vomiting may occur.
• Sensitivity to noise, light, and certain smells may increase. This means that even sounds that normally don't bother you may feel like they're stuck in your ears, your eyes may become too blue to look at the light, and certain smells (perfume, food smells) may make your head hurt.
• Headaches may occur. This may be as severe as a typical migraine, or it may be less severe. Sometimes, only dizziness may occur and the headache may disappear.

Why does vestibular migraine occur? What are the causes?

Experts are still researching the exact cause or causes of this. That is, it is difficult to say exactly "this is the cause". However, they have found several risk factors that can contribute to this condition. They are:

• Having a history of migraines . Especially if you have had migraine symptoms since childhood, you are more likely to develop vestibular migraine later in life.
• Stress . This condition can occur when you are under a lot of stress. Imagine, what if you had this dizziness when you were overwhelmed with work at the office and problems at home?
• Lack of sleep, excessive fatigue . This can also occur when you work continuously without proper sleep or rest for your body.
• Serotonin imbalance . Serotonin is an important chemical in our brain. Too much or too little of it can also affect mood.
• Hormonal changes . This condition can occur due to hormonal changes, especially during menopause in women, or during periods.
• Changes in barometric pressure . This means that this can occur for some people with changes in the weather.
• Certain foods and liquids . This can vary from person to person. For some, this can be triggered by things like cheese, chocolate, processed meats, foods with MSG (monosodium glutamate), coffee, and wine.

How does a doctor accurately diagnose a vestibular migraine?

If you have these symptoms, the first thing you should do is see a qualified doctor . The doctor will first ask you about your symptoms. How long have you had this dizziness and loss of balance? When do you feel it the most? These are questions you get asked a lot.

The reason for this is that there are other medical conditions that can cause dizziness. For example, dizziness is also a major symptom of conditions like Ménière's disease and BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) . So, the first thing your doctor will do is make sure you don't have any of these other conditions. Only then will they suspect that you may have a vestibular migraine.

Typically, a doctor will conclude that you have a vestibular migraine if the following conditions are met:

• If you experience sudden dizziness accompanied by vomiting or nausea .
• There must be at least five episodes of vertigo . Also, the other symptoms of migraine (headache, sensitivity to light/sound) must be present on at least half of those episodes.
• Dizziness can last from five minutes to 72 hours (3 days) .
• If the dizziness is so severe that it affects your daily activities or prevents you from going to work .
• If you have migraine aura . That is, symptoms such as seeing lights before your eyes, seeing streaks, and difficulty speaking before the migraine begins.

If your doctor suspects that this is a vestibular migraine, he or she may perform several tests, such as:

• Neurological examination : This will check things like your reflexes, strength, and the way you walk.
• Videonystagmography or Electronystagmography : These are special tests that check eye movements and the function of the balance system in your inner ear.
• Imaging tests : Things like CT scans or MRI scans of the brain may be done to make sure there are no other problems in the brain.
• Hearing loss test : Check for hearing problems.

What are the treatments for vestibular migraine?

The good news is that there are treatments for vestibular migraine. Doctors may typically recommend the following:

• Medicines
• Lifestyle changes
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Let's look at each of these in a little more detail.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe two types of medication. One is a daily or weekly medication to reduce or prevent the occurrence of vestibular migraines . The other is a medication to control the symptoms when they occur .

Several medications can help prevent vestibular migraines:

• Tricyclic antidepressants : These help control migraines when given in low doses.
• Calcium channel blockers
• Antiseizure medications
• Beta-blockers : These are a type of medication that is also given for high blood pressure.

Medications to reduce symptoms:

• NSAID painkillers (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) : For example, Ibuprofen.
• Motion-sickness medications : Reduce dizziness and nausea.
• Antipsychotic medication : These are sometimes used to control severe nausea and vomiting.

Important: Do not take any of the above-mentioned medications without consulting a doctor. Your doctor will prescribe the right medication for your condition and the right dosage.

Lifestyle changes

In addition to medication, making some changes to your lifestyle can also help control this condition. Your doctor will tell you things like:

• Get more rest and sleep better than usual . Try to get at least 7-8 hours of good sleep a day.
• Eat meals and snacks on time . Don't go hungry.
• Avoid certain foods and drinks . As we mentioned earlier, some people may experience an increase in these symptoms from things like cheese, chocolate, coffee, wine, foods with MSG, and preserved foods. Your doctor will tell you what foods are bad for you. Stay away from them as much as possible.
• Do some exercise . It's good to walk a little every day, do some exercise that makes you feel good. However, you need to be careful when you have dizziness.
• Find ways to reduce stress . Things like meditation, yoga, and doing something that makes you happy (a hobby) can help reduce stress.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

This is a special type of physiotherapy treatment. It works by improving the coordination between your brain, eyes, and inner ear, helping to reduce dizziness and balance problems . There are specific exercises for this. Your doctor may refer you to this type of treatment.

What can I expect if I have a vestibular migraine?

This can really vary from person to person . Some people will need to continue taking medication to control the condition. Others may find significant relief through lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and rest. The most important thing is to follow your doctor's instructions and find a treatment plan that works for you .

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience frequent dizziness, feel off balance, or if it affects your daily life, you should definitely see a doctor . This is especially important if you have migraines.

If you are someone who already knows you have Vestibular Migraine, see your doctor again at a time like this:

• If the dizziness is increasing in frequency or if the dizziness is getting worse .
• If you have increased sensitivity to noise outside.
• If the headache gets worse .

What questions should I ask the doctor?

Because vestibular migraine is not a very common condition, you may have many questions about it. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions like these:

• Why, Doctor/Madam, do I have this condition?
• Will my symptoms get worse?
• What kind of treatment do you recommend for me?
• Will I have to take medication forever?
• Besides controlling my diet and getting enough rest, what else can I do to manage my vestibular migraine symptoms?

If you have a migraine, you probably know the symptoms: a sudden onset of bright lights, followed by a throbbing headache. You may have blamed your migraines for the dizziness and loss of balance. However, persistent, severe dizziness (with or without a headache) could be a sign that you have a vestibular migraine.

Fortunately, doctors have treatments that can help prevent this condition from occurring or reduce its symptoms. There are also things you can do, such as getting enough sleep, avoiding certain foods, and reducing stress. If you have migraines and are constantly feeling dizzy, you should definitely see a doctor. They can run the necessary tests to confirm that you have vestibular migraine. More importantly, they can give you the information, medications, and other treatments you need to prevent this condition or reduce its symptoms.

The most important things to remember from what we have discussed (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so let's put everything we've talked about together and remind ourselves of the most important things to keep in mind:

• Vestibular migraine is a neurological condition characterized by sudden onset of dizziness, loss of balance, and sometimes migraine symptoms (headache, sensitivity to light/sound).
• Although this is not very common, it can have a big impact on your life .
• Although the exact causes are not known, things like stress, lack of sleep, and certain foods have been identified as risk factors.
• It is very important to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis, as dizziness can have other causes.
• There are treatments! This condition can be managed with medications, lifestyle changes (good sleep, proper diet, exercise, stress reduction), and balance therapy (VRT).
• If you have these symptoms, don't panic, but definitely see a doctor for advice .

Remember, your health is your responsibility. Being aware of these conditions and getting timely treatment can help you live a healthy, comfortable life.

` Vestibular Migraine, migraine, dizziness, vertigo, balance, neurological diseases, headache, nausea