Migraines are powerful headaches that are usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light. Migraines can be short-lived, lasting for a few hours or long-lasting, sometimes going for a few days. Most of the people who experience migraines also report problems with vision and dizziness.

The exact course of migraines is not known, but it is believed that migraines are a result of brain changes. The genes that trigger brain changes that cause migraines are genetically transmitted, meaning you can get it from your parents. The pain is caused by swelling of blood vessels that supply the brain. Nerve cells that have overworked send signals to the trigeminal nerve, causing a release of serotonin and CGRP. CGRP is responsible for the swelling of the lining of blood vessels in the brain that causes pain. Most of the time, migraines occur after being triggered. Common triggers include stress, weather changes, fatigue, skipping meals, and withdrawal.

Migraines are significant causes of dizziness, accounting for over 40% of all the cases and even more common in people with migraines with aura. Doctors have a hard time diagnosing dizziness caused by migraines and dizziness caused by other conditions such as anxiety and low blood pressure. The dizziness can occur before during or after an episode of migraines. Complications in the inner ear cause the dizziness. People with ear problems such as sound sensitivity and ringing are more likely to have dizziness.

The best way to treat dizziness is to treat the cause; in this case, you need to treat migraines. For the best result in the treatment of dizziness caused by migraines, a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and vestibular rehabilitation are all necessary.

Lifestyle Changes

People suffering from vertigo need to adjust their lifestyles so that they avoid the common triggers. During the treatment period, the patient must adhere to their medical prescription and take part in exercises. Such adherence will go along way in reducing the symptoms and limiting the occurrence of migraines.

Medications

Medications can be used to stop migraines and prevent those that haven’t occurred yet. Venlafaxine has been the drug of choice for preventing migraine-related vertigo. Ibuprofen, aspirin, and isometheptene mucate can also be used. These drugs block the action of serotonin and other prostaglandins, preventing swelling of blood vessels in the brain.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

This type of treatment helps the patient learn how to adjust. The treatment aims to accelerate the body’s ability to compensate for the dizziness. The body usually does this on its own but at a much slower pace. It taps on the brain’s ability to relearn and improve by using other senses. The treatment includes a therapy that incorporates exercises to reduce imbalance and the chances of falling through habituation, gaze stabilization, and training in balance. This therapy helps the patient return to their normal lives faster.

To get started with migraine treatment, schedule an appointment by filling out the online form or calling (212) 774-1971.