Vestibular Migraine Treatment in London
There are several different kinds of migraines including those that produce a headache and those that do not. Vestibular migraine does not produce an aura but instead manifests as dizziness, vertigo or balance problems. In some cases it can also result in a headache. Vestibular migraines can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, although some have been known to linger for several days. Harley Street AVM offer vestibular migraine treatment in Harley Street, London for those seeking relief from this vexing condition.
About Audiovestibular Medicine (AVM)
Vestibular migraine got its name from the fact that it affects the connections between the brain and the inner ear – often referred to as the vestibular system – which controls balance. Those afflicted with vestibular migraines typically experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Dizziness lasting from a few minutes to a few days.
- Problems with their balance.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Disorientation or confusion.
- Motion sensitivity.
- Heightened sensitivity to sound.
- Being unstable on their feet.
Vestibular Migraine Causes
Researchers have not yet nailed down the exact cause of vestibular migraines. Some medical experts believe it results from nerve cells in the brain misfiring or not communicating properly. Others suspect it may be a degenerative stage of migraine pathology. That is, a person may experience other migraine symptoms for years before they begin to experience dizziness and loss of balance.
Vestibular Migraine Diagnosis
There is no established test for vestibular migraine. Diagnosis requires detailed assessment by a specialist and a range of hearing and vestibular tests.. If a person states they have experienced one or more of the following they may have vestibular migraines:
- At least 5 episodes of vertigo that lasted several minutes each.
- Increased sensitivity to light and sound.
- A one-sided or pulsing type of headache.
- Repeated episodes of dizziness.
Testimonials
What People are Saying
Vestibular Migraine – FAQs
What is a vestibular migraine?
Vestibular migraine is a type of migraine that affects balance and a person’s spatial orientation. Rather than producing a severe headache, vestibular migraine produces feelings of vertigo, dizziness or being unsteady on one’s feet. Only sometimes does an individual with vestibular migraine actually experience a migraine headache.
Are there any other symptoms of vestibular migraine?
Besides feeling unsteady or dizzy, a person may experience sensitivity to light or sound as well as nausea and sometimes a mild headache.
How do you diagnose vestibular migraines?
There is no specific test for vestibular migraines. The specialist will typically diagnose vestibular migraines by first investigating and ruling out other similar conditions, and then by examining the person’s medical history and looking at their symptoms. This would involve scans, blood tests, hearing test and vestibular tests.
Is there more than one trigger for vestibular migraines?
Yes, usually there can be more than one trigger for vestibular migraines. They have been known to be triggered by a lack of sleep, stress, sudden exposure to bright lights, changes in weather and even some types of food such as aged cheese and processed meats. Exactly why these things trigger vestibular migraines is not fully understood.
Are vestibular migraines a symptom of a bigger problem?
Fortunately, vestibular migraines are not a symptom of a larger problem provided other similar conditions have been investigated and ruled out. Vestibular migraines are usually a self-contained condition but can progress onto other conditions such as PPPD.
What is the typical treatment for vestibular migraines?
There is no single treatment for vestibular migraines. The treatment regimen recommended to you will likely include a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Beta-blockers and antidepressants are sometimes recommended as preventative treatments. And rehabilitation therapy can help improve general balance. There are now newer generation of drugs known as CGRP blockers which can be also helpful.
Are vestibular migraines and Meniere’s disease the same thing?
No. Although they do share some symptoms such as vertigo, Meniere’s disease is believed to be caused by an inner ear fluid imbalance. Meniere’s disease can also cause tinnitus and sometimes hearing loss, while vestibular migraines do not damage a person’s hearing. However, it can be very difficult to tell apart the two conditions and it may require specialist opinion and detailed tests to come to the correct diagnosis and treatment.
How long do vestibular migraines last?
Vestibular migraines may last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more. In rare cases, vestibular migraine symptoms have been known to linger for days, negatively impacting the person’s quality of life. If vestibular migraine become chronic, then patients can go onto to developing PPPD.
Testimonials
Our Associations
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is a public body of the Department of Health and Social Care established to regulate and inspect health and social care services in England.
CQC registration is a marker for standards of care. It is a mandatory requirement of all organisations which provide vestibular care or diagnostics.
Harley Street Audiovestibular Clinic is fully registered and compliant with all the stringent CQC requirements, ensuring you care is in the best possible hands.
About Audiovestibular Medicine (AVM)
Vestibular migraines are a particularly vexing condition that can make it difficult for a person to conduct their day-to-day business. Obtaining relief from the most significant symptoms is of paramount importance. For accurate vestibular migraine diagnosis and expert treatment contact Harley Street AVM by calling 020 3480 9630 or writing us at: info@harleyavm.com.
