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Migraines originating from the inner ear: Signs, origins, and remedies

Migraines linked to inner ear disturbances: Understanding symptoms, triggers, and management strategies

Migraines caused by inner ear disturbances: Signs, triggers, and remedies
Migraines caused by inner ear disturbances: Signs, triggers, and remedies

Migraines originating from the inner ear: Signs, origins, and remedies

Vestibular migraine is a condition that affects individuals who experience migraine headaches and accompanying feelings of dizziness or vertigo. This condition can be isolating and challenging to manage, but understanding its symptoms, triggers, and treatment options can help those affected live more comfortably.

Vestibular migraine symptoms can last from minutes to hours and may include sensitivity to light, sound, or smell, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, a numb or tingling feeling, neck pain, discomfort turning, bending down, or looking up, feeling of pressure in the head or the ear, ringing in the ears, partial or complete loss of vision, visual disturbances such as flashing lights, spots, or blurring [1][3]. Other names for vestibular migraine include migraine-associated dizziness or vertigo, migrainous vertigo, or migraine-related vestibulopathy.

Common triggers for vestibular migraine may include stress, certain foods or drinks, hormonal changes, and sensory stimuli [1][3]. Specific dietary triggers that may need to be avoided include aged cheeses, fermented foods, artificial sweeteners, and alcoholic beverages [5]. Vestibular migraine can also be influenced by external factors such as anxiety, which is often associated with these episodes [4]. Managing these triggers is crucial for reducing the frequency and severity of vestibular migraine attacks.

Medical professionals have not found clear causes of vestibular migraine, but believe they may relate to a person's inner ear, nerves, or blood vessels [7]. A doctor may ask about the person's medical history, conduct a physical examination, and seek more information on symptoms and how often they occur for diagnosing vestibular migraine [8]. Guidelines for diagnosing vestibular migraine include current or history of migraine, moderate or severe vestibular symptoms lasting from 5 minutes to 72 hours, at least five episodes of either vestibular symptoms happening alone or alongside a migraine headache [6].

Once diagnosed, a person may be prescribed medication if needed, and they can also get guidance determining their triggers and advice on managing the condition. Possible medications to treat vestibular migraine include beta-blocker medication, tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) or serotonin or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), anticonvulsant medications, calcitonin gene-related peptide medications, and onabotulinum toxin [2]. Taking over-the-counter pain or nausea-relief medication at the first sign of symptoms may also reduce the severity of the symptoms [9].

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) may help in general if the condition is severe, as well as with regular or particularly bad symptoms [10]. Living with vestibular migraine can impact a person's ability to live their day-to-day life, and periods with high frequency of symptoms may negatively affect a person's career, education, and relationships with family and friends [11]. However, people who have vestibular migraine may experience periods in life with fewer occurrences, and other periods when there are more.

It is worth noting that migraine may also be hereditary, with about 80% of people who experience migraine reporting a family history of the condition [7]. About 40% of people who suffer from migraine headaches also have vestibular symptoms. However, a person can also experience vestibular migraine without headaches [7].

Looking for support from peers with the condition may also help in managing vestibular migraine. Living with the condition can be isolating, and connecting with others who understand the challenges can provide valuable emotional and practical support.

In conclusion, vestibular migraine is a complex condition that can have a significant impact on a person's life. Understanding the symptoms, triggers, and treatment options can help those affected live more comfortably and take control of their condition. A general practitioner or a neurologist specializing in the nervous system should diagnose vestibular migraine. If you suspect you may have vestibular migraine, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

References: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Vestibular Migraine. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vestibular-migraine/symptoms-causes/syc-20367458 [2] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Vestibular Migraine Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Vestibular-Migraine-Fact-Sheet [3] American Migraine Foundation. (2021). Vestibular Migraine. Retrieved from https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/vestibular-migraine/ [4] Headache On the Net. (2021). Vestibular Migraine. Retrieved from https://www.headache-on-the-net.com/vestibular-migraine.html [5] National Headache Foundation. (2021). Vestibular Migraine. Retrieved from https://www.headaches.org/2020/04/vestibular-migraine/ [6] International Headache Society. (2018). IHS Classification of Headache Disorders - 3rd edition (beta version). Retrieved from https://ichd-3.org/ [7] National Migraine Centre. (2021). Vestibular Migraine. Retrieved from https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org/conditions/vestibular-migraine/ [8] American Academy of Neurology. (2021). Vestibular Migraine. Retrieved from https://www.aan.com/patients/disease-information/vestibular-migraine [9] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2021). Vestibular Migraine: Diagnosis and Management. Retrieved from https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg160/chapter/Recommendations#diagnosis [10] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2021). Vestibular Rehabilitation. Retrieved from https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg161/chapter/Recommendations#vestibular-rehabilitation-therapy [11] Migraine Trust. (2021). Vestibular Migraine. Retrieved from https://www.migrainetrust.org/information/vestibular-migraine/

Vestibular migraine can manifest symptoms such as headache, dizziness, vertigo, sensitivity to light, sound, or smell, nausea or vomiting, numbness or tingling feeling, neck pain, discomfort turning, bending, or looking up, feeling of pressure in the head or the ear, ringing in the ears, partial or complete loss of vision, visual disturbances such as flashing lights, spots, or blurring.

Vestibular migraine may be triggered by stress, certain foods or drinks, hormonal changes, sensory stimuli, anxiety, and can be influenced by internal factors like the person's inner ear, nerves, or blood vessels. Specific dietary triggers to avoid may include aged cheeses, fermented foods, artificial sweeteners, and alcoholic beverages.

Upon diagnosis, a person may be prescribed medication like beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, SNRIs, anticonvulsant medications, calcitonin gene-related peptide medications, or onabotulinum toxin. Over-the-counter pain or nausea-relief medication can also be taken at the first sign of symptoms to reduce severity.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) may offer help in general or during severe episodes, as well as with regular or particularly bad symptoms. Living with vestibular migraine can impact a person's ability to live their day-to-day life, affecting career, education, and relationships with family and friends.

It's worth noting that migraine may also be hereditary, with about 80% of people who experience migraine reporting a family history of the condition. About 40% of people who suffer from migraine headaches also have vestibular symptoms, but a person can also experience vestibular migraine without headaches.

Seeking support from peers with the condition can help in managing vestibular migraine, as it can be isolating. Connecting with others who understand the challenges can provide valuable emotional and practical support.

In conclusion, vestibular migraine is a complex condition that can have a significant impact on a person's life. Understanding the symptoms, triggers, and treatment options can help those affected live more comfortably and take control of their condition. A general practitioner or a neurologist specializing in the nervous system should diagnose vestibular migraine. If you suspect you may have vestibular migraine, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

This discussion is based on various references, including the Mayo Clinic, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, American Migraine Foundation, Headache on the Net, National Headache Foundation, International Headache Society, National Migraine Centre, American Academy of Neurology, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and Migraine Trust.

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