PAIN IN THE BRAIN: Women are affected by migraines three to one over men.
Image: iStockphoto/Juan Monino
-
The Best Science Writing Online 2012
Showcasing more than fifty of the most provocative, original, and significant online essays from 2011, The Best Science Writing Online 2012 will change the way...
Read More »
Pop singer and wardrobe malfunction poster girl Janet Jackson has been diagnosed with vestibular migraines, a rare form of headache that her publicist blames for her recently canceled "Rock Witchu" concerts.
Migraines affect nearly 30 million Americans, especially women, who suffer from them by a three to one ratio, according to the National Headache Foundation. Doctors aren't sure exactly how many people are affected by vestibular migraines, but they know these headaches have a unique twist that run-of-the-mill, throbbing migraines don't: a component of vertigo.
To learn more about this unusual form of the disorder, we spoke to Susan Broner, an attending neurologist at Roosevelt Hospital's Headache Institute in New York City.
[An edited transcript of the interview follows.]
What are migraines?
Migraine is typically a one-sided, throbbing headache, moderate to severe in intensity and associated with light sensitivity or sound sensitivity and nausea or vomiting with headache. Some people have dizziness or visual aura that precedes the headache.
What are vestibular migraines?
Vestibular migraine is a variant of migraine in which instead of headache being the most predominant feature, dizziness is. Patients usually say that out of nowhere they got extremely dizzy and don't feel like they're on even ground. Some describe a spinning or rocking sensation. They have light or sound sensitivity and get nauseous or throw up. Episodes can last minutes to hours, and there's a chronic form where people have a constant sense of imbalance. In many instances, people have a history of migraine headaches before vestibular migraine shows up.
What causes vestibular migraines?
We believe they're an inherited disorder. Patients' brains are normal on MRI imaging but in the same way that a migraine is a disorder of function, meaning an abnormal firing of pain pathways, we're still trying to figure out the mechanism behind vestibular migraines.
There seems to be hyperexcitability in the brain stem that's overlapping with the vestibular structures—which allow us to keep our balance—that's causing the dizziness.
How common are vestibular migraines, and who is most affected?
There are 30 million Americans with migraine—it's more common than asthma and diabetes combined. It affects women more than men by three to one. Women often start getting migraines in adolescence as their hormones kick in. Sometimes boys can get migraines in childhood. Their average onset is anywhere from the teens to age 40 for men and women.
It seems like vestibular migraines are not very common. Vestibular migraine seems so far to have a female predominance, but it may be that they're more likely to come to the doctor.
It's also possible that they're more common than we think but are undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed as Meniere's disease—a form of vertigo that occurs in older patients—or as benign positional vertigo, in which patients experience brief episodes of vertigo from seconds to minutes long when they move their heads in a certain way. Positional vertigo episodes are caused by an inner ear disorder that's treatable by manual maneuver of the head.
We're doing studies to get a feel for the consistent symptoms each vestibular migraine patient has and how common it is in the population. There may be an overlap between Meniere's and vestibular migraine. With vestibular migraine, people are exquisitely sensitive to motion, but they seem to be more sensitive to migraine triggers like fluorescent lighting or drinking wine. All the migraine triggers affect these patients; vestibular migraine is a disorder of exclusion—you have to rule out seizures and structural abnormalities—so it's one of the clues.
What is the treatment for vestibular migraines, and how is it different from the treatment for other migraines?
There haven't been controlled studies for the best treatment for vestibular migraines; we typically use migraine agents. For frequent or chronic vestibular migraines, we prescribe daily calcium channel blockers (a type of blood pressure medication), antiepileptic drugs and antidepressant selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). For acute attacks, they're treated with anti-inflammatory or triptan medications (which narrow blood vessels in the brain), antinausea agents, and certain muscle relaxants can help.
See what we're tweeting about
63 Comments
Add CommentHave experienced most of the symptoms but no doctor as of yet has come up a diognosi. I need some relief and need to know what is causing all this dizziness.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI have had the exact symptoms for the past 18 years. I had motion sickness as a child and this turned into "vertigo" as an adult. Having read this article i now have come believe that i have vestibular migraines. I cannot keep my head in an upward direction since this will trigger the headache preceding the dizziness. Articles on the top shelves therefore go unnoticed by me. As Jaynejass states, i need some relief. By the way, have had countless exams and even physical therapy. The therapy showed how to fall safely.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI have had these symptoms for about 3 years now. I have had CT after CT and the only thing they come up with is "inner ear" infection. The first time it happened the CT showed nothing and I had been having severe headaches for about three days. I can be standing turn around to go in the other direction and bam dizzy. Standing up to quickly, not enough sleep, car sick if I am a passenger. The things that seem to help are antihystamine/decongestants and meclizine HCI but theu do not always work. I need some relief, this really makes life rough.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThis is exactly what I have and how I feel. I had a wreck on 04/19/2007 suffering from a head injury and have felt this way ever since. No Dr. can tell me exactly what is wrong with me. All of my MRI and CT scans show nothing, but I have had Vertigo ever since the wreck. I was hoping it would go away. I get dizzy and I have felt off balance every since my wreck. Hate going down stairs or riding in the car with other people as a passenger. This is very uncomfortable.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisMeditation does wonders for people with migraines, such as myself. So does drinking plenty of water, and eating peppermint candies (peppermint has been used for centuries for migraine relief). I'm not sure how well they would work against vestibular migraines... but it would be worth a shot.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI am a 50 year old woman and 2 years ago I started getting what I called "head rushes". Then sensation would start in the back of my head and then rush up and over my head to my eyes. I would then become very dizzy, loose my balance and my vision would become impaired for a few seconds. At first, it only happend a few times a week but within 2 months it was happening mant times during the day and would even wake me up from sleeping. Then the "party" really started. I started seeing " a light show" before the head rush. My head rushes became so bad that I had the senstionthat I was falling even though I was laying down. It was horrible. I really thought that I was losing my mind.I was scared to leave my home. I too had a MRI done and the doctor's told me that my cerebullem was shrinking. Again, I was devasted. I seen several doctors who all agreed with the findings. Finally, I was lucky enough to find a doctor that looked "outside the box". He was the one that saved my life. He told me that I was experiencing vestublar migranes. He started me on high blood pressure medicine called "Verapamil" and told me to read the book "How to heal a headache" and follow the directions on what foods to eliminate from my diet. I did exactly that and I feel wonderful. So between my doctor visits, my medicine and my diet, I am back to living a normal life. Hopefully, if you are going thru what I did, talk to your doctor about what I am doing and maybe this can help you too.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisDear "jnichol97",
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisCould you please tell me, where you can get the book "How to heal a headache"?
What kind of diet other then low salt???
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisBarnes and Noble is where I got mine.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisBarnes and Noble is where I got mine.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisNot sure if my response went thru...I got the book at Barnes and Noble. Good luck..
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisIf you read the book "How to heal a headache" you will find what type of "trigger" foods that will trigger your type headache. I was very surprised to find out what types of food I can no longer eat. I elimanted them and feel much better. Good luck.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisSorry, this is the correct name of the book:
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisHeal Your Headache : The 1-2-3 Program for Taking Charge of Your Pain.
Barnes and Noble still has it.
You have a condition called benign positional vertigo (please dismiss the use of the word benign in this definition, because most individuals with this conditon find it to be very disabling.) Most likely you damaged a portion of your inner ear that has to do with are sense of balance. The otoliths are calcium carbonate structures that sit on the end of specialized hair cells in our semicirculare cannals (part of our inner ear). We have 3 semicircualr cannals within each inner ear that allign with x,y and z planes and simpely put assist our brain to determine spacial orientation with motion (i.e., which way is up or down).
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisHead trauma can cause shearing of the otoliths from the hair cells. These otoliths are then free floating within the cannal and with head motion will cause tension on the other hair cells of the cannal percipitating the symptoms of dizziness like the world is spinning(called vertigo). This is a simplified explanation. My suggestion to you is that you need a referal to a balance center or to a neurotologist ( this is a ear, nose and throat surgeon who has done a fellowship (specialized training) in the neurological associations of the inner ear).
You have a condition called benign positional vertigo (please excuse the use of benign in the definition, because most individuals who have this find the symptoms disabling.) The trauma to your head caused shearing forces to specialized hair cells within the semicircular cannals of your inner ear. Atop of these hair cells are calcium carbonate crystals called otoliths or otoconia. These specialized hair cells in the semicirular cannals assist your brain in spacial orientation (i.e. which way is up or down, left or right) when your head is in motion. Some of the otoliths were sheared form the hair cells and became free-floating in the cannals. These free floating otoliths then percipitate the symptoms of vertigo (the sensation that the world is spinning and you are standing still or vice-versa). My recommendation is that you seek referal to a balance center or to a neuro-otoligist ( a ear, nose and throat surgeon who has done a fellowship or specialized training in the ears association with the nervous system).
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisOops, replied twice. Please excuse my redundency. I had to log on as a new user and didn't realize that my first reply was accepted.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI appreciate your response. After seeing 3 different neurologists who had the same diagnosis (which was my cerebulum was shrinking) is when I went to an "ear,eye and throat" specialist. This doctor put me through many test including the the one you described and they all came back negative. This is also the doctor that told me I am having vestibular migraines.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI have been on the medicine for over a year now and feel much better. I have to admit that it makes me a little nervous to take "high blood pressure" medicine but he assures me that I am OK. All I really do know for sure is that the "party" going on in my head has almost stopped (only if I eat chocolate or drink anything with caffeine) and I am no longer thinking that I going crazy. I truly believe this doctor saved my life because I was scared to death of what was yet to come.
Enjoy your life...I do..every minute of it.
I have had vestibular migraines for 12 years. I take zyrtec D, the extended release of the pseudephed controls them. I would be not be able function without the medicine. I took benedrl with pseudophed for 10 years but then needed more pseudophed and switched to zyrtec d.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI have had this disorder for the past 10 years. I have had Epilepsey for the past 30 years. I take SSRI's, Anti-depressants (for siezures) and have taken blood pressure medication for the migrains. I hate to sound negative but for most of us there is no magic bullet. I wish all of you well but for now science has no good answeres. We are left to use what ever coping skills we may have.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI am a middle aged wht male who suffers from epilepsey. I started suffering these migraines about 10 years ago. I was originally diagnosed with meneirs disease and treated accordingly. I started seeing a new neorlogist for my epilepsy who, diagnosed me with vestibular migraines. Why is he telling me his life story you may ask? Epileptic medication is commonly used to treat migrains as is blood pressure medication. I have been on most of the medication described in the article and have tried most diets. I do not want any of you to give up hope. But understand that there are several some people as the article states that science has no answere for at this time. KEEP TRYING NEW THINGS!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisIn the summer of 2008, I had experienced this sort of thing. I got a strong pressure at the base of my head that moved over the top of my head. While the sensation was moving over my head, I started spinning, couldn't focus, got super nauseous, then when it was all over (ranges from 5- 20 min) was exhausted for 48 hours after wards. Felt like I was cloudy, couldn't think and wanted to do nothing but sleep. This has happened 5 or 6 times. I have had a CT, MRI, EEG on my brain, evaluation by a neurologist, etc. I don't seem to fit into any one diagnosis category. It also happens at various times of day, not tied to monthly cycle, eating habits, or anything else. Super random. I don't drink or smoke. I have a high amount of stress, but nothing I've not had to deal with before. Also, the symptoms are not long enough to treat with medication. Dr and others don't seem to know...Anyone else with these sort of symptoms?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisOh my gosh.. YES.. I to have the same type of thing going on. I am a 42 year old woman. I have had the same accounts 4 times now. I have just gone to the doctor again after another episode. I was doing nothing in particular and all of a sudden (no notice) a pain in the back of my head followed by unbelievable vertigo(dizzy could not focus and felt like i was on a boat i could not get off) I wish i could have thrown up but fought it. It lasted for about 10 minutes or so followed by just being dizzy and incredibly nasaus and a severe headache. I was sick for the rest of the day and still dont feel like myself.(5 days later) I thought i may have had a stroke, hense the doctor visit. She told me she thinks its migrains but am having a mri tom. to make sure.. The more i read the more i believe i could be suffering from the form called vestubuler migrains? I am very healthy otherwise not overweight and concernd they could be brought on by maybe going through memopause? Im not sure, but i am sooo glad someone else is talking about this.. I was getting very scared. So thank you!!!!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI too have been having these types of headaches, very little pain, just imbalance and a feeling like my head is full of cotton. these have been going on for about 8 months now. I have been to top experts , had all the vertigo, hearing, eye testing and 2 MRIs a person can endure and every thing is normal,but yet the imbalance is still there. Help, maybe the some of the members have some suggestions. I do not usually do blogs but at this point I will listen too what is suggested. Thanks GatorGrl.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI too have thought that maybe these symptoms are related to menopause since I am 44,there are many disorders that come and go with hormonal changes I wonder if this is one of them ? I am like you have been healthly all of my life Thank God! gatorgrl
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI also had been healthy all my life. At age 29, I began to struggle with vertigo. I ended up at Mayo Clinic after 6 weeks of tests and more tests from several doctors in my area. Mayo was able to tell me the problem was in my inner ear, but not much more than that. They put me on Meclizine which made me feel very out of it. I learned what triggers the episodes and limited my lifestyle to keep the episodes to a minimum. I just went to my ENT again this week...haven't been there since 2004. She said I have the vestibular migraines and that she has had a 98percent success rate at treating her patients. She said specific anitdepressants have shown success in keeping these types of migraines from coming on. They have a positive effect on your vestibular system. I'm starting the medication tonight. She said I may be able to actually fly on an airplane! For the past 5 years, I would have never considered that idea. I'm praying for success!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisTom. Diagnosed with vestibular migraines after multiple head and a neck MRI's, and several strange ear tests at U.T. Southwestern. Never had a migraine, seldom even a headache.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisSpells occur instantly while sedate, sleeping or walking. Dizzy but not vertigo (no spinning). Images either slide down the wall or move horizontally. Lasts about 2 hours. Have retreated from multiple cups of coffee and small glass of red wine (reluctantly) daily to see if that changes anything. Has anyone else had the sliding images/no migraine symptoms???tom
I was diagnosed with Vestibular migraines about a month ago. I went to a neuroscience center located in a hospital. The neurologist put me on Zoloft. He said it's a brain chemistry disorder and he sees at least 5 women patients a week with the same symptoms. Zoloft, although an anti-depressant, helps balance your brain chemistry. It's been about 3 weeks and I am almost totally normal! I am so thankful to be myself again after 4 months of torture. Good luck to all!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI have had dizziness ever since about September/October '07 and have tried all sorts of ways to overcome this: balance tests (me being blind made it hard because of my eye movements and nystagmus), therapy through exercise, kinesiology. Currently, I have very severe dizziness which can involve a sensation that the building is rocking back and forth, inability to walk forward properly (something inside me forces me to move my feet, but not walk forward), swaying from left to right. At times, it's incredibly debilitating. I can't go out and do normal things because of this. I've been to 2 neurologists who both said that it could be a migraine-related problem. The newest neurologist told me about acupuncture. I have been to someone that deals with this, and will do a 6-week treatment. I'll keep you posted on what happens.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisCar accidents can cause a very slight neck misalignment and can miraculously be cured by a Nucca trainedchiropractor...acupuncture can work for dizziness....diet is big for migraines but its best to try a elimination diet because there are so many factors...ayurveda has a wonderful diet. Calcium channel blockers are my recent trial after trying all the other recommendations...find a dizzy group in your city to compare notes and doctors...good luck
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this"jnichol97,"
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI was just diagnosed today with Vestibular Migraine, after having my symptoms for the past 17 years (and I'm only 35.) I am cautiously optimistic about this diagnosis and treatment. My neurologist also put me on Verapamil today. My symptoms are almost exact to everyone else here on this blog. I am most excited to learn this medication may also improve my motion sickness, of which I am extremely sensitive.
Thank you for the info on the book to get, "How To Heal a Headache." I will definitely be looking into that soon.
Take care and good luck!
I am taking Topomax and I have also read the headache book and quit all caffeine. I have been mostly symptom free for about a year. Today I went to a jewelry & gem show. They have all kinds of bright lights and the gems and jewelry really reflect the light up into your face. I started to get dizzy after about 2 hours at the show and have been feeling sick the whole rest of the day. I need a dark room. I was surprised when I bent down to look at something on a table and got disoriented. It's a sneaky illness. I have tried to back off taking Topomax but the dizziness comes immediately back. A neurologist prescribes the Topomax along with Lamictal and Seroquel and Tramodol. Who usually makes the referral to the neurotologist?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI am 27 yrs old and I was finally diagnosed about 6 months ago that I have vestibular migraines. My family doctor took along time to help and many doctor visits with specialist to give me this answer but now what, told not much research has been found to treat vestibular migraines. I'm told it is a new finding in the migraine/dizziness department?? Any Ideas?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI am a 27 yr old female that has dealt with dizziness and headaches now for over 2 yrs. I believe I have had some symptoms sooner but it has gotten worse in last couple yrs. Looking for possible treatment????
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisEnter Your Comment Here.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI am very happy for you. Please get the book and follow their suggestions for your diet. I cannot eat or drink anything with caffine, which includes coffee, pop and sadly enough chocolate! All I know is that I have my life back and I am not sick anymore. Let me know how you are doing.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI have suffered from a feeling of imbalance on and off for years now. I have a history of migraines but I no longer have painful headaches just the imbalance. It is not severe but I cannot play tennis when I have this problem - I fall constantly on the court. I have to hold on to a rail when I walk down stairs. I am in my early 50's. I've had MRIs and all kinds of other exams which have not showed up anything.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI have suffered from a feeling of imbalance on and off for years now. I have a history of migraines but I no longer have painful headaches just the imbalance. It is not severe but I cannot play tennis when I have this problem - I fall constantly on the court. I have to hold on to a rail when I walk down stairs. I am in my early 50's. I've had MRIs and all kinds of other exams which have not showed up anything.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI am a 43 year old woman, and thank goodness for this information and all of you writing in, sometimes one feels as though they are being tortured or going crazy! Someone wrote in that this condition is "sneaky", so true! I had migraines at age 13, but in the traditional sense of migraine headaches. However, at age 40, I experienced my first vestibular migraine. I too have taken all of tests, MRI's etc.Nothing shows up. It so happens, I am currently experiencing a new episode of the symptoms described here. Severe vertigo and severe nausea, weakness, exhaustion afterwards, everything. The only thing I have not seen is someone describing clusters of episodes lasting 6-8 weeks. This is the second time in 3 years I have experienced this, normally it will last 1 hour to maybe 1-2 days. Anyone else ever go through this?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisSo sorry to hear about everyone's suffering. I know how it is. I've been having these symptoms for over 15 years with no diagnosis until recently. I have the chronic type that last for weeks to months. Ugly, I know. The good news is we finally found an effective treatment. It is a corticosteroid called methylprednisolone. Many doctors will not think of this so you have to ask about it yourself. The only reason I was put on it is that I'm a pharmacist and I asked for it specifically after other, more traditional, drugs failed. You'll have to work out the proper dosing with your doctor, but if it helps you, you'll likely have to be on it for about 3 weeks or so. It aborted the episode in 1 day for me, so do keep this treatment in mind.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisTo nomoremigranes: I am experiencing what you mentioned. I started out with vertigo and now have had dizziness for 7 weeks straight. I have had an MRI and a multitude of other tests and the neurologist is now leaning towards vestibular migranes. Do you have any suggestions for relief during the long episodes?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI just got diagnosed with vestibular migraines yesterday. I have had vertigo and BPPV for 20 yrs. now. The anxiety that this dizziness is causing is unbearable. I live in NYC and have been to so many Drs. that after this one I give up. He is putting me on Inderal and I am picking it up today. My symptoms are: full feeling in my head, my head is constantly with this swimming woozy feeling, and now my right eye had a weird ache feeling. (Been to 2 eye doctors, eyes are fine) The ineral makes sense. He said I am not getting enough blood in my brain. I hope it works......
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI am experiencing the same thing - BUT I have no pain. Did you have pain?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisHi everyone,
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI'm a 35 yo female. I have experienced many neruological-type symptoms since I began mestruating (around my twelfth birthday). They began with severe visual disturbances including blind spots and lighting bolts - they're the worst and most frightening! - halos and flashing lights. These episodes could last anywhere from 30 mins to an entire week. Would usually get them every few weeks. Note - NO pain.
Later, I started developing strange sensations in my neck area (like electricity buzzing). Hard to explain the sensation but it was very uncomfortable. I only got these every few months.
Then I also started having episodes of extreme dizziness (the ones when you fall over because the world is spinning). These dizziness episodes, although extreme, generally only lasted a couple of minutes or so.
Then about six months ago, during a stressful time at work, I was in front of the computer and the entire world just started "shaking". Everything I looked at shook violently (nystagmus). I felt dizzy, and totally off balance. Had extreme pressure in the temples. But NO pain. These sensations were constant 24/7.
Went to several different GPs - every single one said it was likely to be fluid in the inner ear and that it should improve within a couple of weeks (...this was very frustrating to me, to say the least). So, I was referred to an ear specialist - perfect ears. I saw an eye doctor - perfectly healthy eyes. Then I was finally referred to a neurologist. I was diagnosed with a vestibular migraine. I started treatment on Sandomigran four months ago (we have been gradually increasing the dosage over time) and I can honestly say that I feel 90% normal today!! Driving and watching telly is still a bit yucky (makes me feel a little off balance) but getting better slowly. Also feel the symptoms, in a milder form, around menstruation time.
All I can recommend, from my experience, is to get referred to the right specialists!
For anyone that is experiencing similar symptoms to myself, I hope this helps - ?!
Diazepam. I just saw a specialist in this area at Mt. Sinai in Baltimore MD. He said I should read a book Heal your Headache by David Buchholz M.D. The doctor I went to does nothing but vertigo symptoms. He told me I have Vestibular migraines and there is no real good treatment for them. He suggested Topamax but for me was ruled out because it causes kidney stones. You might also want to try scopolamine patches. Scopolamine blocks nerve impulses. What makes your symptoms worse? What makes your symptoms better? Keep a log of your symptoms and what is going on in your life. I hope this is a help; Ive been at this for over two and a half years. Good Luck
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri two years ago.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI went to several doctors before getting a diagnosis. I did not find a doctor who was compassionat or caring. Most of them made me feel like I am a nut case.
I have the dizziness,extreme exhaustion, trouble concentrating, pressure in the back of my skull,etc.
I developed dry eye syndrome about a 1 1/2 yrs. ago. A few months ago I developed dry mouth syndrome.(I was tested for autoimmune diseases, I was negative) My newest symptoms are the same as "Suzanne" wrote about on 10/15/09 the electricity in my neck, it is also in my left jaw. It is very irritating.
A week ago I went to a new neuro-ophthalmologist/ototologist. He thinks I may have Vestibular Migraine Variant or Optokinectic Motion Sensitivity instead of PseudoTumor Cerebri. I go back on Nov. 2 for ear tests.
He gave me a sample of Effexor to take in the meantime but I am hestitant to take antidepressants. I do not like the side effects these give me.
I really felt a lot of skepticism from this doctor until I got angry with him. He does not have a good bedside manner!
I would appreciate any advice anyone can give me. I want my old life back!
I think one of the things that I would try is to keep a log of what you eat and any activities that seem to make it worse. Is it better in the morning? Does it get worse as the day progresses? Are your symptoms worse if you have sinus congestion and a feeling of fullness in your sinuses? Keep a log of foods you eat. Stay away from caffeine, chocolate, fresh made rolls (yeast may be still active), MSG, nitrites, nitrates (processed meat), nuts, and certain fruits. These are all laid out in the book Heal your headache by David Buchholz M.D. You can get a used copy from Amazon cheap. If you have vestibular migraines they do not know much. I have it too and I suggest that you be your own advocate. When I exercise it seems to help.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI think one of the things that I would try is to keep a log of what you eat and any activities that seem to make it worse. Is it better in the morning? Does it get worse as the day progresses? Are your symptoms worse if you have sinus congestion and a feeling of fullness in your sinuses? Keep a log of foods you eat. Stay away from caffeine, chocolate, fresh made rolls (yeast may be still active), MSG, nitrites, nitrates (processed meat), nuts, and certain fruits. These are all laid out in the book “Heal your headache” by David Buchholz M.D. You can get a used copy from Amazon cheap. If you have vestibular migraines they do not know much. I have it too and I suggest that you be your own advocate. When I exercise it seems to help.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisDoes anyone know if it ever really goes away?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisDoes anyone know if this will ever go away. It scares me to death cause you never know when it will happen. i feel like i am a hostage.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI have suffered for over 4 years now, I was suffering Vertigo for 6-8 weeks straight with maybe 2 weeks break, if I was lucky, back to vertigo again, I just could not function. I am now on all 3 medications as mentioned in the article as treatment daily and have never felt better. I have a wonderful, wonderful neurologist that has given me my life back. I still get slight vertigo and other symptoms for a few days a month but it is nothing like it use to be. I am so blessed to have been treated correctly.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisHas anyone ever passed out with this dx ? or is it a normal symptom
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thismy mom can not... sit up or walk to the bathroom ..is this a normal symptom...unconscious for extended periods of time also is her symptoms
I began having trouble about a year and a half ago. It began with severe vertigo. Then problems with dizziness and headaches. Occassional vertigo to some degree. Just had a computerized balance test done. I have a vestibular processing problem and vestibular migranes. The test was done at an ENT's office. I hope my problems are fixed. I use to never have a headache or dizziness.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisMy episode has been lasting full-on for over a week now. I have had the dizziness, nausea, perspiration and overwhelimingly tired feelings sporadically for the last 4-5 weeks, but now they are all front and center and I haven't been able to even work to my ability. I just got diagnosed 2 days ago with vestibular migraines and have been put on one week's worth of prednisone as a jump start to the end. I've taken 2 doses and I do feel a slight change already (for the better). Next I am to go on an antidepressant called Nortripyline which is supposed to keep them under control. Any one else used these things together or have any input on the longer term drug? This is misery and I feel for you all.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisYour mom should have been tested for seizures, correct? Passing out is a normal part of vestibular migraine activity, but what your mom is experiencing sounds extreme. While getting up and down, she should focus on a spot directly in front of her...FOCUS....then slowly stand while her mind is occupied with her specific object. Drink a lot of water as well, so that the anxiety doesn't have a chance to get the better of her. The nausea is the tough one. Take some bonine over the counter medication. Hope that helped.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisCar sick all my life. Had kidney stone operation, early 30's, and 2 weeks after that, all he11 broke loose! Vestibular issues that spun me every direction, and more. It took many MD's and over 10 years to get some real medical attention. Then the scans and fancy ear tests. I was told by a University Pro that the artery and nerve cluster behind my right ear are compressed due to the lack of a cushion that most people are born with. An attempt to insert a cushion with surgery was 80% likely to fail. So medications are being adminstered for nerve hyperactivity, and nausea. Bad headaches, turned into nearly daily migraines about 5 years into the vertigo flares and the constant motion sickness. Since then, I stopped driving and walking and most everything else. Then my mom passed away and the State took her house away from the family, even with me being unable to work. One of the reasons they gave for not enforcing their claim was my disability. I have a terrible time with paperwork, flickering lights, even computer work is impossible at times. And all the papers to fill out for State disability were for me a Mt. Everrest, my husband had to take time off to help me. The State denied my claim and took my inheretance to pay back the help they 'gave' my mom. Migraines and vestibular problems did not qualify me as disabled in my state. I'm sorry Jan-Jackson has experienced this Vestibular Migraine problem, but glad the attention has been brought to a really horrible and disabling condition. I was always told my 'headaches' and dizziness had nothing to do with each other. I am taking this article to my current MD. I hope he listens.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI have been diagnosed w/vestibular migrane a few days ago & prescribed Zoloft by my neurologist. My sympoms started 2 years ago. I woke up in the morning & my left ear felt clogged. A week later, the verigo w/vomiting started. It would occur only every couple of months, but I never have a headache. The tinnitus & full ear feeling always seem to be present, some days better than others. Recently I have these episodes every 2 to 3 days. I haven't seen any posts about the full ear feeling & no headaches. Anyone else?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI woke up 2 years ago w/a clogged feeling/limited hearing in my left. Primary prescribed a decongestant. A week later, I was extremely dizzy & off-balance, then came the nausea & vomiting, but never a headache. I was prescribed Antivert. I always have the full feeling & tinnitus of the left ear, some days better than others(usually worse during rainy weather). I now have episodes 2 to 3 times a week. My neurologist just prescribed Zoloft, which I started taking today. I have not seen any posts about full feeling/loss of hearing in ear(s) or no headaches. Any one else?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisSeveral years ago, I woke up one day with the full-ear feeling too. I finally went to my doctor a few weeks later (thought it was just sinus problems) when it didn't clear up. He thought too that it might have been some sort of infection and put me on prednizone. I went back 10 days later with no improvement. He suggested I see an ENT who also put me on a round of steriods that didn't do any good. They did do a hearing test and found that I had some significant hearing loss in my left ear, thus the full ear feeling. I did have an MRI done that didn't show any problems. I eventually found a really good audiologist and got a hearing aid. I have to say that prior to all this, I suffered from the severe spins on occasion which my doctor called vertigo. No other symptons - just really bad spins. Then this past December, I woke up with a feeling of lightheadedness or spins (not as bad as before) that lasted a full week. It happened again a month later for another week. I finally went back to my doctor who suggested I visit the Emory Dizziness center. I was just there on Friday and went through some testing. He feels I suffer from vestibular migraines and suggested altering my diet to remove the known migraine trigger foods. I'm going back today for an evaluation because I woke up early this morning with the spins again. While I've had red wine, chocolate and some of the other trigger foods over the past two months, I had alot this weekend - sherry, red wine, shrimp, avocados. I don't know if it was the combination or just one of them that triggered the migraine. I hope I can figure it out soon. These episodes are tough to get through. My Emory doc did say the only way to get through it is to get more sleep. If they continue I may be started on B2 and magnesiun supplements. Don't know what's after that.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisHi there,
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI am a PT specializing in vestibular rehab and also different types of headaches treatment including migranes. I myself have a long history of terrible migranes that started in adolecsence. I became a PT relatively late in life, so it took me a long time to get rid of my headaches, but I am headaches free now. My first step to recovery was homeopathic treatment which included homeopathic remedy and serious diet change. In my case, I had to completely eliminate yeast from my diet. Then I treated myself by a very specific manual therapy (called strain/counterstrain or positional release techniques) and a very specific postural reeducation techniques which include some light, but very helpful exercises based on Muscle Imbalances approach, developed by Dr. Sarhmann,PHd, PT. Later on I became a specialist in treating really bad stabborn headaches and vestibular disorders. The diet can be different for different people, depending on their food sensitivity/toxin overload. Ex: you may suffer from gluten intolerance, or Candida Albucans overload like I did, or you may have some hormonal imbalances that require a different diet/supplements. You may also suffer form underlying low thyroid which is no diagnosed by regular blood test (ex. Hashimoto disease. For those who is not lucky as I was in finding a good homeopath, I could recommend a book "Body Ecology Diet" by Donna Gates. I already have bought about 15-20 copies of this book because I keep giving this book to my patients and then keep buying more and more copies. This is very comprehensive text which is not easy to follow, but the results are amaizing. Supplements such as magnezium and fever few are helpful too.
I am trying to be as specific as possible here,so that people could find an appropriate practitioner in their area.
My office is located in NJ. My phone # is 201-791-0008. I am usually free to talk around 9-10 pm. Wish all of you the best of luck in getting rid of your headaches!
Bella.
Hello Bella. Just wondering if you experienced numbness or tingling in you face? Or, twitches or muscle spasms around your eyes, while you are having a flare up of symptoms. Also, neck pain or pain at the base of your skull?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI am also having problems reading or computer work. It's a struggle just to type this out. My head swims, pain in between my ears, eye strain. Thanks.
nessa, could you please share with us which three medications you are now using? thank you.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI was diagnosed with menieres disease in 2012. It was a guess on my doctors part because he really did not know. I was put on a diuretic to take every day. The problem is I still have consistant dizziness that is brought on by everything from reading to driving a car or even shopping. The constant feel of imbalance or drunken feel is miserable. I am starting to wonder if the guess of a diagnosis was wrong and if maybe it could be a type of migraine. Does anyone have an opinion on this? I am new to this forum so if anyone can help, please do.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisYes, I also have the ear issues. My left ear will fill full or clogged. I also have slight hearing loss in my left ear. Sometimes my ears will ring. My ENT gave me a diagnosis of Menieres disease.It was basically a guess. All my test come back good. The only thing was some white places on my brain showed up on the Mri scan. Other doctors besides the ENT said it looked as if I was having migraines.I don't think any of them know. I know that the dizziness and off balance feeling is miserable. I am a mother of 4 and homeschool them all. I am by the way 39 years old. I have suffered since I gave birth to my last child 7 years ago. Good luck with your issuses. I hope you are better by now. Let me know if you possibily have any answers for the misery.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this