Even if you’ve never suffered a migraine, you probably have an idea of what happens. These frustrating headaches seemingly come out of nowhere, causing the sufferer intense pain, nausea, and light sensitivity. But migraines may also involve another symptom: dizziness. About one in 10 adults in the United States report regular migraines, with a quarter of those people experiencing dizziness and vertigo alongside their migraines. The question is: Can migraines make you dizzy? Read on to find out more.
Can Migraines Make You Dizzy?
What Is a Migraine?
The Mayo Clinic defines a migraine as “a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head.” Per the clinic’s website, migraines are “often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.” But the truth is that not all migraines are created equal. While many migraine sufferers will only experience the symptoms listed above, some will experience another troubling symptom: dizziness. The question is: Can migraines make you dizzy, or are the two issues – migraines and dizziness – entirely separate?
Can Migraines Make You Dizzy?
So, can migraines make you dizzy? The answer is yes, although it does depend on an individual’s specific type of migraines. To understand the connection between migraines and dizziness, we first have to understand what happens during the onset of a migraine. During a migraine, your brain is much more sensitive to outside stimuli like noise and light. In many migraine sufferers, this sensitivity leads to painful headaches. However, some migraine sufferers may just experience dizziness or vertigo without the throbbing headache. This phenomenon typically involves vestibular migraines, a type of migraine that affects your vestibular system. This system helps the body maintain balance; thus, when the system is thrown out of balance – via a migraine, for example – it can lead to dizziness.
Treating Migraine-Related Dizziness
Experts know that certain types of migraines can cause dizziness; however, we still aren’t sure what causes vestibular migraines. Further research is needed to pinpoint the exact mechanisms that disrupt the vestibular system and cause migraine symptoms. Fortunately, there are several tactics that can help improve migraine-related dizziness in most patients. For example, a doctor may recommend keeping a journal and listing your dizziness triggers. Do you experience migraine-related dizziness in times of high stress? After eating certain foods? After driving for long periods? After several days of intensive screen time? Keeping track of your episodes is a great way to control the issue. Your doctor might also recommend certain medications, changes to your sleep schedule, and certain exercises you can perform to lessen your discomfort. Finally, if you suffer from vestibular migraines, you could be a candidate for vestibular therapy. This unique practice focuses on physical therapy and balance exercises, both of which can help mitigate the effects of vestibular migraines over time. This practice is also appropriate for individuals experiencing dizziness and balance issues that are unrelated to migraines.
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While certain kinds of migraines can lead to dizziness or vertigo, there’s hope. If you’re experiencing dizziness or vertigo alongside frustrating headaches, reach out to a vestibular expert. By working with a professional experienced in treating the vestibular system, you’ll be able to pinpoint exterior factors that could be contributing to your discomfort. With help from the experts, you can get back to living your life.
Are you struggling with migraines, dizziness, or both? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating migraine issues, including vestibular migraines, head pain, and ongoing dizziness. To learn more about our approach, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.
