Understanding Migraine Associated Vertigo: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

If you've ever experienced a pounding headache alongside dizziness and nausea, you might have been dealing with Migraine Associated Vertigo (MAV). This condition affects millions of people worldwide and can be debilitating. In this blog post, we'll explore the symptoms, causes, and treatments for MAV so that you can better understand what's going on in your body and find relief from this often overlooked aspect of migraines.

What is migraine associated vertigo?

Migraine associated vertigo is a type of vertigo that is caused by migraines. Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or feeling like you are moving when you are actually not. It can be a very debilitating condition and can make it difficult to function in everyday life. Migraine associated vertigo is thought to be caused by the changes in pressure that occur during a migraine. These changes can cause the inner ear to become inflamed, which can lead to vertigo. Treatment for migraine associated vertigo often includes medication and lifestyle changes.

Symptoms of migraine associated vertigo

The symptoms of migraine associated vertigo (MAV) are often very similar to those of other types of vertigo, making it difficult to diagnose. The main difference is that MAV is usually accompanied by a headache, which can be either migrainous or non-migrainous. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and noise, and visual disturbances.

There are four main types of MAV: vestibular migraine, cervicogenic dizziness, vestibular paroxysmia, and Meniere's disease. Each type has its own unique set of symptoms, but all share the common symptom of headaches.

Vestibular migraine is the most common type of MAV, and affects both men and women equally. Symptoms typically begin in childhood or adolescence and tend to worsen with age. The most common symptom is dizziness, which is often described as a feeling of spinning or swaying. This can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia (sensitivity to light), phonophobia (sensitivity to sound), and visual disturbances such as aura or migrainous vision loss.

Cervicogenic dizziness is caused by a problem in the neck, such as whiplash or a herniated disc. It is more common in older adults, and women are more likely to be affected than men. The most common symptom is neck pain, which can radiate into the skull and cause headaches.

Causes of migraine associated vertigo

There are many potential causes of migraine associated vertigo. Some of the most common include inner ear disorders, vestibular migraines, and head trauma.

Inner ear disorders are a leading cause of dizziness and balance problems. They can be caused by a number of things, including infection, inflammation, and damage to the delicate structures inside the ear. Vestibular migraines are another common cause of dizziness. These migraines affect the vestibular system, which is responsible for balancing and orienting the body in space. Head trauma can also lead to vertigo, either due to damage to the inner ear or damage to the brain itself.

Treatment for migraine associated vertigo will vary depending on the underlying cause.If vestibular migraines are thought to be the cause, you may be prescribed medication to help prevent future attacks. And if head trauma is suspected, you may need rehabilitative therapy to help you regain your balance and coordination.

Treatments for migraine associated vertigo    

Migraine associated vertigo (MAV) is a condition that can be debilitating for sufferers. The dizziness and nausea caused by MAV can make it difficult to function on a daily basis. There are treatments available that can help lessen the symptoms of MAV, and in some cases, even eliminate them altogether.

One treatment option for MAV is medication. There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat the symptoms of MAV, including anti-nausea medications, pain relievers, and anti-anxiety medications. Some of these medications may need to be taken on a daily basis, while others may only be needed when symptoms flare up.

Another treatment option for MAV is vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). VRT is a type of physical therapy that helps retrain the brain to process information from the vestibular system properly. This can help reduce or eliminate dizziness and nausea associated with MAV.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat MAV. This is usually only considered if other treatments have been unsuccessful in alleviating symptoms. Surgery for MAV typically involves cutting the nerves that connect the inner ear to the brain. This procedure is known as vestibular neurectomy.

If you suffer from migraine associated vertigo, there are treatments available that can help you manage your symptoms and live a normal life. 

Conclusion

Migraine associated vertigo can be a debilitating condition that affects both the physical and mental health of those who suffer from it. This article has helped to summarize some of the symptoms, causes, and treatments available for this condition in order to help you understand what is happening.