Can balance problems be caused by migraines?

Yes, balance problems can certainly be caused by migraines. This connection occurs because migraines affect the vestibular system in your inner ear, which is responsible for balance. With vestibular migraines, you experience dizziness, vertigo, or balance complaints during or between migraine attacks. This occurs in approximately 30% of people with migraines and is caused by neurological changes in the brainstem.

What is the connection between migraines and balance problems?

Migraines and balance problems are neurologically connected through the brainstem and vestibular system. The brainstem regulates both migraines and balance, so disruptions in this area can affect both systems. The vestibular system in your inner ear communicates directly with brain areas that are also involved in migraines.

During a migraine attack, inflammatory processes and altered blood flow can disrupt the balance organ. The trigeminal nerve, which plays an important role in migraines, also has connections to the vestibular system. This means that migraine triggers such as stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes can also cause balance problems.

This neurological overlap explains why many people with migraines also experience balance complaints. The brainstem functions as a kind of switching station where signals from the balance organ, visual system, and proprioception come together. When migraines affect this area, the entire balance regulation becomes disrupted.

What balance symptoms occur with migraines?

With migraines, various balance symptoms can occur, both during and between attacks. Dizziness is the most common symptom, where you experience a feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness. Vertigo gives the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning, even when you’re standing still.

Other symptoms include:

• Unsteadiness when walking or standing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to movement
• Migraine headaches that occur together with dizziness
• Aura spots in your visual field
• Feeling of imbalance without a clear cause

The difference between various types of dizziness is important for diagnosis. Light dizziness feels like nearly fainting, while true vertigo gives a rotational sensation. Some people also experience motion sensitivity, where normal activities like driving or climbing stairs worsen balance problems.

How can you recognize and distinguish vestibular migraines?

You can recognize vestibular migraines by the combination of balance problems and migraine characteristics. Diagnostic criteria include recurring balance symptoms that last 5 minutes to 72 hours, a history of migraines, and migraine-like symptoms during balance episodes, such as headaches or light and sound sensitivity.

The difference from ordinary migraines is the prominent presence of balance problems. With other balance disorders, such as Ménière’s disease, migraine triggers and aura phenomena are usually absent. Vestibular migraines can occur without headaches, which makes diagnosis more difficult.

Seek medical help when:

• Balance problems regularly recur
• Symptoms limit your daily activities
• You experience new or worsening headaches
• Previous migraine advice no longer helps

Possible examinations include vestibular function tests, MRI scans to exclude other causes, and a detailed analysis of a symptom diary.

What are effective treatment options for migraine-related balance problems?

Treatment of migraine-related balance problems requires a holistic approach that addresses both migraines and balance symptoms. Medication can reduce migraine triggers and thereby help prevent balance problems. Preventive medicines often work better than painkillers alone.

Lifestyle adjustments form the basis of treatment:

• Maintaining regular sleep patterns
• Applying stress management techniques
• Identifying and avoiding migraine triggers
• Adequate hydration and regular meals
• Gradual movement exercises

Physiotherapy, specifically vestibular rehabilitation, helps train your balance system. These exercises improve balance and reduce sensitivity to movement. Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care can work supportively by reducing tension and optimizing nerve function.

Preventive measures focus on preventing both migraine attacks and balance episodes by avoiding triggers and keeping the nervous system in balance.

How Ruggensteun helps with migraines and balance problems

We offer a unique chiropractic approach to migraines and balance problems by addressing the underlying causes. Our specialized treatments focus on restoring nerve communication between brain and body, which is essential for both migraine and balance regulation.

Our treatment options include:

• Y-strap treatments for spinal decompression and improvement of nerve function
• CFR techniques (Cranial Facial Release) for optimization of the skull and neck area
• Specialized migraine treatments focused on trigger point therapy
• A holistic approach that brings body and nervous system into balance
• Preventive care and migraine tips for long-term improvement

As one of the few chiropractors in the Netherlands who are authorized for Y-strap treatments, we can provide unique care. You can directly contact us, without a referral from your GP. For more information about our approach and treatment options, visit our website or schedule an appointment at our practices in Eindhoven or Valkenswaard.