Migraine headaches that are associated with episodes of vertigo are known as vestibular migraines, migraine-associated vertigo, or migrainous vertigo. The term “vestibular” refers to the inner ear where we sense balance. Most commonly vertigo produces a sensation that the room is spinning, or that the room is “off balance,” much like being on a rocking boat. Vestibular migraines are not the most common type of headache, but they can be quite debilitating.
Episodes of vertigo could last for minutes to an hour before a migraine starts and often continues with the headache symptoms. In some cases the vertigo may even last up to 2 hours. Some people who have vestibular migraines will also see changes in their vision like bright or flashing lights, or spots in their line of sight. They will also have many of the more common migraine symptoms, like photophobia, phonophobia, severe throbbing head pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Vestibular migraines are treated the same way as “normal” migraine headaches, using anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen or naproxen), acetaminophen (Tylenol), one of the triptans (like Imitrex or Maxalt), or other pain medications. Some physicians believe vestibular migraines are more resistant to routine treatments, but each headache sufferer will respond to treatment uniquely.
There are other vestibular syndromes that can be associated with migraines. Two of those are Benign Recurrent Vertigo of Adults and Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo of Childhood. In adults they will experience vertigo, occasionally with tinnitus (or ringing in the ears), but without hearing loss. In children they will have occasional spells of vertigo and imbalance, but no tinnitus or hearing loss. Neither of these should be confused with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), a disorder causing vertigo and dizziness due to crystals that become dislodged in the inner ear. Migraine sufferers are more likely to suffer from motion sickness and conditions such as BPPV or Meniere’s Disease.
Source:
Neuhauser, HK, et al. "Migrainous vertigo: Prevalence and impact on quality of life." Neurology, 2006;67:1028-1033.
”Vestibular Migraine.” Vestibular Disorders Foundation. Retrieved October 15, 2008. http://www.vestibular.org/vestibular-disorders/specific-disorders/vestibular-migraine.php
