What is vestibular migraine?

Vestibular migraine is a specific form of migraine that causes dizziness and balance problems, alongside traditional headache symptoms. This form of migraine affects the vestibular system in the inner ear, which causes unique complaints that are often misdiagnosed. Vestibular migraine occurs more frequently than thought and requires a different approach than ordinary migraine.

What is vestibular migraine and how does it differ from ordinary migraine?

Vestibular migraine is a neurological condition where migraine attacks are accompanied by dizziness and balance disorders. Unlike classic migraine, where headache is the main symptom, vestibular problems are central in vestibular migraine. The vestibular system in the inner ear regulates balance and spatial orientation.

The main difference from ordinary migraine is that vestibular migraine does not always cause headache. Some people experience only dizziness, nausea and balance problems, without the typical headache. This makes recognition difficult for both patients and healthcare providers, because the symptoms resemble other conditions, such as ear problems or anxiety disorders.

Vestibular migraine can manifest as spinning dizziness, lightheadedness or a feeling of movement when you are standing still. The triggers for this form of migraine can vary from stress and hormonal changes to certain foods and weather conditions.

Which symptoms indicate vestibular migraine?

The characteristic symptoms of vestibular migraine include spontaneous dizziness, motion sensitivity, balance problems and often nausea. These complaints can persist for minutes to hours and vary in intensity between different attacks.

Common symptoms are:

• Spinning dizziness or vertigo without clear cause
• Lightheadedness and instability when walking
• Nausea and vomiting tendencies
• Headache with migraine (but not always present)
• Sensitivity to light, sound or movement
• Aura spots or visual disturbances
• Concentration problems during attacks

These symptoms can occur in various situations, such as with sudden head movements, in busy environments or during stress. Some people experience complaints only during physical activity, while others suffer from them particularly at rest.

What causes vestibular migraine and who is at risk?

Vestibular migraine arises from neurological changes that affect both the migraine system and the vestibular system. The exact cause is not fully known, but genetic predisposition plays an important role in developing this condition.

Important risk factors are:

• Family history of migraine or vestibular problems
• Female gender (occurs more frequently in women)
• Age between 20 and 50 years
• Hormonal changes during menstruation or menopause
• Chronic stress and sleep deprivation
• Certain foods, such as cheese, chocolate or alcohol

Useful tips to prevent migraine attacks include keeping a symptom diary, ensuring a regular sleep pattern and actively working on stress management. Weather changes, bright light and noise can also trigger attacks in sensitive individuals.

How is vestibular migraine diagnosed?

The diagnosis of vestibular migraine is challenging, because there is no specific test for it. Doctors base the diagnosis on the complaint pattern, medical history and ruling out other conditions. The diagnostic process often requires collaboration between different specialists.

The diagnostic pathway usually includes:

• Extensive medical history about complaints and possible triggers
• Neurological and vestibular examination
• Hearing tests and balance examinations
• Sometimes an MRI scan to rule out other causes
• Keeping a symptom diary

Patients can expect a long diagnostic journey, because the complaints are often attributed to other conditions. It is important to communicate clearly about all symptoms, including those that do not seem directly related to headache.

What treatment options are there for vestibular migraine?

The treatment of vestibular migraine combines medication, lifestyle adjustments and supplementary therapies. The approach focuses on preventing attacks and reducing complaints when they occur. Each treatment is tailored to individual needs.

Effective treatment options include:

• Preventive medication, such as beta blockers or anti-epileptics
• Attack medication for acute complaints
• Vestibular rehabilitation exercises
• Stress management and relaxation techniques
• Dietary adjustments and avoiding triggers
• Regular sleep and exercise patterns
• Chiropractic treatment for neck tension

Practical tips for daily management of migraine are avoiding known triggers, maintaining fixed routines and learning to recognize early warning signals of an attack.

How Ruggensteun helps with vestibular migraine

We offer a holistic approach to vestibular migraine through specialized chiropractic treatments that optimize the nervous system and spine. Our expertise in CFR (Cranial Facial Release) and targeted neck treatments can contribute to reduction of migraine symptoms and improvement of vestibular function.

Our treatments for vestibular migraine include:

• Specialized cervical vertebrae corrections for improved blood circulation
• CFR techniques for optimal function of skull and neck
• Treatment of tension in jaw and neck muscles
• Improvement of nerve communication between brain and body
• Personal guidance in identifying triggers
• Preventive care for long-term results

By bringing the spine and nervous system into balance, we can support your body’s self-healing ability. Our approach focuses on addressing underlying causes instead of only symptom control. For more information about our migraine treatments and how we can help you, visit our practice or contact us directly at contact for a personal consultation.