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vestibular migraine

For more information about: vestibular migraine visit the migraine headache site MyBrainPain.com today.

Q: How do i make a vestibular migraine feel less painful?
okay.. i suffer from migraines… and i feel like shit at times… but i am trying to not rely on medicine or drugs so much.. or at all for that matter. I want to know if anyone who suffers from migraines has found a way of making them go away besides sleeping in a dark and cold room.. which is what i do… and might i say its hard to do in a dorm room so i just want to know if anyone knows a different way

A: Here is a link to a site you really need to look at,, it will help you far more than anything I can type here

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120

here is another really good site that will help you

http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/dc/caz/neur/hach/headmir.jsp

Q: Does anyone out there suffer from Vestibular Migraine?
If so, how do you control your episodes? What triggers your episodes?

A: http://www.neurologyreviews.com/feb04/nr_feb04_foramen.html

Q: How to tell if it’s really a migraine?
I know there are various kinds of headaches, but, among them, migrainous ones are neurological and can manifest themselves as “specific” kinds of migraines.

Anyway, my doctor does these stupid little tricks like pressing on my eyeball when it’s closed to see if it relieves pain, etc.

Are there any stupid little at-home ways I can examine the kind of headache I have to give me a guess what kind it is?

I was already diagnosed with Vestibular Migraine but I am also prone to other kinds of headaches, and I can never tell..

Thanks!

A: If I’m getting a migraine I can usually tell by one of these ways:
1. i see floating/flashing lights or spots
2. i have severe pain behind one of my eyes (usually not both)
3. if my head is hurting and i feel like i have to throw up or it feels like someone hit me with a baseball bat
4. will respond to excedrin if i take it as soon as i realize what’s happening. otherwise i have to take prescription migraine medication.

If it’s a sinus headache:
1. i usually have pain around the front part my eyes and sometimes it triggers a migraine headache for me
2. sometimes the headache is centered in my forehead
3. it doesn’t respond to excedrin

If it’s a tension/stress headache:
the pain is almost always in the back of my head. sometimes it’s near the neck area. and there are times when my head is just kind of hurting all over.

Certain foods CAN (but doesn’t always) trigger a migraine: breads, bananas, chocolate, peanuts, coffee (coffee actually helps some times me when i have migraines)

Try to drink a lot of water every day. Dehydration can also trigger really bad headaches and/or migraines.

I hope this is helpful.

Q: Vestibular Migraines???
I’m looking for sufferers of vestibular migraine headaches to give me some info on how to cope.

A: I am a practioner of Taiji. I recently had an attack of vestibular migraine (diagnosed by a Balance Disorders Specialst).

I find that when I practice Taiji my symptoms disappear for a while (hours to days).

I have twice eaten nothing but fresh fruit for 3 days and drank only water. This seemed to improve my symptoms quite a bit.

I am still trying to determine if something in my diet is a major contributor to the problem.

I am improving. The episodes are becoming less frequent and less intense.

Regards,
Mike

Q: does anyone out there have vestibular problems?
I was diagnosed w/vestibular neuritis w/migraine effect. does anyone out there have any coping strategies?

A: this page has a lot to offer :

http://www.tchain.com/otoneurology/treatment/rehab.html

A vestibular exercise program typically includes exercises designed to improve ocular stability and balance. While nystagmus is present, the patient should try to suppress it with fixation in all positions of gaze. As the nystagmus diminishes, eye-and-head–coordination exercises can be started (e.g., staring at a visual target while oscillating the head from side to side and up and down). Combined movements of the eyes and head involving jumping quickly back and forth between two widely separated targets are also useful. The patient should try to stand and walk in contact with a wall or with assistance in the early stages. As improvement occurs, head movements should be added while the patient is standing and walking; these head movements should be slow at first and later rapid and in all directions. Balance exercises such as walking with one foot placed directly in front of the other or walking on a narrow beam can then be added.

Q: vestibular migraines?
I get these rare migraines that are called vestibular migraines and basically the deal is that I get severe vertigo iinstead of a headache…recently it has been getting really bad, does anyone have any advice on how 1. i can get rid of the dizziness and 2.anything i can do to prevent this from happening??

A: There haven’t been controlled studies for the best treatment for vestibular migraines; docs typically use migraine agents. For frequent or chronic vestibular migraines, doctors prescribe daily calcium channel blockers (a type of blood pressure medication), anti-epileptic drugs and antidepressant selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). For acute attacks, they’re treated with anti-inflammatory or triptan medications (which narrow blood vessels in the brain), antinausea agents, and certain muscle relaxants can help.

Herbal and homeopathic remedies can offer an effective natural solution and can be of assistance in alleviating the painful and discomforting symptoms of a migraine. Herbs such as Silybum marianus (Milk Thistle), Passiflora Incarnata and Hypericum perforatum (also known as St. John’s Wort) can be extremely beneficial in helping to soothe the recurrence of pounding headaches. In addition, studies have suggested that the herb Feverfew, when used regularly, can help to eliminate or greatly reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines.

http://www.healthherbsandnutrition.com/remedies/m/migraine.htm

In taking a holistic view of your health, you can address many factors that contribute to optimal physical, mental and emotional well-being. Natural and herbal remedies can be used to help address the root causes of the ailment and not just the symptoms.

Q: Are these signs of Vestibular Migraines?
I just went to my doctor and he diagnosed me with migraines, and said that my vertigo is a secondary condition and not related to the migraines, but I think otherwise. I’m looking to get a second opinion and go to another doctor next week.

Often when I get really bad migraines for several days in a row it’s always followed by several days of really bad vertigo (lasting from 1 to 3 days). Sometimes the migraines occur and there is no vertigo and sometimes I get vertigo without the headaches, but it feels like they’re related since they occur in conjunction so often. Any more information or confirmation/ rejection of my ideas are welcome. It’s been a persistent issue and I’d like it gone soon.
I’m not looking for medications at this time.
That’s true. I am the only person in my family I know that has vertigo – I do have an inner-ear imbalance supposedly from being born prematurely?
Also I’m going to mention I hate my doctor because he just throws medication at me… it’s easier to ask opinions here.

Vertigo started when I was 18, migraines started when I was 20 and neither were life-disrupting until this year hence why it took me a while to even consult a doctor about it.
My doctor actually said the vertigo and migraines were separate issues, I just worded it wrong :) .

A: I get migraine variants, including vertigo migraine. I started getting migraine when I was 16. [Now 44.]

What you have described sounds like what I get – sometimes migraine with no vertigo and sometimes vertigo with no migraine.

WHAT DID YOUR doctor mean by “[your] vertigo is a secondary condition” ?? WHAT is it secondary to ??

Cheese contains an amino acid known as ‘tyramine’ which causes migraine or rather ‘brings on’ or exacerbates migraines in susceptible people.

Q: Meniere’s or Vestibular Migraines?
I have been going through a lot in just 2 months. It started out as minor dizziness most of the time and some weird jolting sensations at night near the center of my head, but now has escalated into really unmanageable things.
First, what I’ve had done:
MRI and CT scan
Blood Work
ENG and ECoG

These tests came bac “normal,” although they were all done over 6 weeks ago when my sympoms were very calm and almost not there at all.

Now:
-low grade ringing in ears frequently, occasionally a loud spell in either ear that last a couple second
-ear fullness and some pressure, like I have to pop them. Sometimes when I’m walking they ache
-As the day wears on, more senestive to motion and feel nauseated due to it. When I try to eat at those time, become more nauseated and sweaty
-Feeling of inrtense lightheadedness (never vertigo) like I’m going to pass out, like there’s a brick in my head that is putting pressure on everything else
-all this pressure presses on my ears, forehead, middle of head and nose
-random, splitting headaches

The most peculiar symptoms is that every week, I grow less and less tolerant to any kind of noise. Literally. A couple months ago it was just music. Then it was sound from TV. Now it’s any daily sound like doors clsing or somebody raising their voice. Even the fan bothers me. All sounds are making me cringe because it hurts going into my ear and is hurting something deep in my head.

Any idea what the heck this is?
The MRI was ordered by a neurologist, one I will not see again because he’s not even trained to read them, I found out. The ENT ordered other tests and I’m currently waiting to see a Neuro-otologist.

A: Have you seen a ENT doctor, a Neurologist? Or has the testing been done by your Primary MD.

Generally all doctors look at Xrays, CT Scans, MRI’s, but the official reading must come from a radiologist..that is their specialty.
What treatment have they been rendering?
Low sodium diet
Mild diuretic like HCTZ
? Decongestant
? Sedative, anti-nausea medication, Meclizine/Antivert, Scopalomine Patch
Migraine meds?
So what all have they tried, and what was the diagnosis or are they ruling out the above still? Are you young, middle age, or old. And prior to the dizziness 2mo ago, did you suffer from migraines, if so were they regular migraines or did you have variants? Have you had any head injuries or bad infections in this 2mo time frame?
To differentiate between the two, may be quite difficult, you’re on the right path, are you being seen at an ear institute? There are many good ones, don’t know what area you live in “House Ear Clinic” is very good. Can try “Botox” for tinnitus (ringing in ears) and acupuncture has been helpful as well. There is surgery to correct Meniere’s if it is debilitating. Generally only at highly specialized clinics (like an ear institute).

Q: What is a good migrain medication?
I just recently started having migraines with auras and vestibular migraines. Most of the medicines that I’ve done research on have side effectrs such as dizziness (which is the main symptom of migraines that I am trying to get rid of). Is there any medications out there for vestibular migraines that do not have many side effects?

A: Hello, I am also a sufferer of migraines, more specifically ocular vestibular migranes that are with auras because they occur in both eyes. Many of the symptoms for me include severe eye pain and weakness, that make you feel like your need to take your eyeballs out of their sockets. On sites and in books, a lot of the symptoms say spottiness and floaters and flickering but I don’t get those just the severe pain. Do you know if this is normal? And I completely understand, many medications don’t make sense when they have the side effects that you are trying to treat. The dizziness can be treated by mecklezine, a perscription for vertigo and migraine. Dizziness is a side effect but don’t let it worry you because I am very sensetive to medication and it doesn’t bother me at all, it helps. There are also other medications if you look under treatment for vestibular migraines. Hope this helps, and I hope you might have an answer of reassurance with the eyes, whether you know people with similar symptoms or have experienced them yourself. Anyway, feel better and God Bless.

Q: What can I do to get rid of dizziness?
Recently I was diagnosed with Vestibular Migraines. The main symptom of these migraines is severe vertigo/dizziness. I get extremely sick and am throwing up for up to 48 hours. I have tried all the motion sickness meds that are available and none of them get rid of the spinning….is there anyone out there that knows what I am going through and may have a solution to make the dizziness/vertigo go away? It is ruining my life to say the least….thanks for your time

A: A friend of mine experiences vertigo a lot and I gave her an OTC medicine called Alavert. Its a sinus medicine but it seems to clear out and balance her equalibrium well. She told me that it really stops the dizziness. I hope this helps you. Feel Better.

Q: Is Tuna fish in a can considered processed meat?
I am on a “diet” from one doctor and a different diet from another doctor. They want to rule out vestibular migraines and I am limited to what I can eat from chocolate, homemade bread, soy sauce, seasoning salt, chinese, onions, etc… are some of the items I cannot eat. I cannot have any processed meats at all or even canned soups. I can eat spaghetti but now my other doctor says I have to watch my carbs and sugars because of my cholesterol levels. I have to eat more omega 3 foods like fish.

Is Tuna fish in a can considered processed meat? Thank you for your kind answers.

A: No fish is not considered meat,tuna especialy the kind that comes in oil is a great source of omega 3, you can also get fish oil capsules from just about any pX or GNC. These are mega doses of omega 3. You can also eat chicken as long as its grilled or baked. Oatmeal is also very good for your cholesterol, because it will level out your tri-glyceride levels. I would suggest speaking to a dietician, because all the doctor prety much says is if it tastes good spit it out. But a dietician can suggest a litle more yummy alternatives to all the junk thats bad for you and all the yucky stuff your supposed to be eating. Good luck. hope this helps.

Q: Any medical students or people familiar with diabetes. My blood sugar?
Without going into a whole schpeal about my life, I’ll just tell you I’ve had blood sugar issues. I have 3 diabetics in my family, and I’ve never been clinically diagnosed with any kind of diabetes. My sugar never got any higher than 130 mg/dl. Since about a year ago my health experienced a drastic shift, and I began having episodes of what doctors describe as “hypoglycemia”. I would experience vertigo, severe nausea, but most doctors figured it has something to do with vestibular issues or migraines.

I suspect I might be having other issues.

Although I’ve never pinpointed my sugar below 70 mg/dl, I have most of the symptoms of hypoglycemia. In short, I do experience internal shaking, I can’t walk straight, I can’t focus, and I get fatigued (these the most important symptoms). And for the first time in my life–my vision has become much worse–I now wear glasses ALL the time.

Anywho, this morning I checked my blood sugar fasting and it was something like 82 mg/dl. I felt okay. Within a few moments of getting up I felt starved. I had eaten NOW about 1.5 hours ago and I just checked my blood sugar: it is 86 mg/dl. I’ve noticed this pattern before. My sugar never gets high at all, it’s always LOW!

What do you all think?

A: Those numbers are perfectly normal. Normal blood sugar is around 80-130. I wouldn’t consider it low unless it gets below 70

Q: Meniere’s treatments?
Has anyone with Meniere’s disease used Serc or intralymphatic steroid injections as a treatment for the vertigo/imbalance? Any problems/side effects? Also, after 6 years no two docs can agree on a diagnosis (Inner ear or Migraine variant). Due to have another round of vestibular testing next week. Any suggestions? Have episodes of vertigo, mostly feel like I am going to fall when I am sitting. Blurred vision, sometimes headache. Have had a few ‘drop attacks’ in the past. Feels like a baloon in my head being inflated.

A: My husband has been suffering with Meniere’s for about ten years now. I have never heard of these injections. He takes a prescribed water pill, avoids caffeine and salt, and when he has an attack he takes valium. It only takes one to get him through it and then he is always very tired and sleeps for a very long time.
I am sorry I can’t answer your question, but I wish you luck.

Q: Concerned about my health–please help!
I have posted before about my health problems, and am becoming quite concerned now. For 2 years, I have had ongoing migraines that are now occurring daily (I take Excedrin 2 – 3 times daily, mirgraine medication does not work, at all for me.). I have also had vertigo symptoms since Feb. 2007. I have blurred vision at times, (not in the same time as migraines) and a black dot that never seems to go away. Just 2 weeks ago, I began having tingling sensations and loss of feeling, or to the opposite I have pain where I feel like I pulled a muscle. in my legs and feet and arms and hands. I also have severe constipation (where at worst, I don’t have a bowel movement for over 2 weeks)… Finally, I have skin lesions on my arms and moles that have been changing (I go to the skin doctor (sorry, I cannot think of the real name for this). I am 22 years old, and up until this time–the worst thing I would get were sinus infections. I have 2 cochlear implants, and have had tinitis since I was a young child. I have already been diagnosed with Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome (not sure if this will help) as well. I have two small boys to keep up with, and this is really beginning to concern me. In my previous post, I had an IUD in place, and immediately had it removed and began Depo. shots. My vertigo did decrease, however the migraines have increased. I am going to quit smoking to eliminate any thoughts that this is why my symptoms are occurring (doctors are first to mention that). I am really just trying to pin point what could be a cause of all these sypmtoms-I am thinking along the lines of neurological disorders.

Thanks for any help that can be given, I go to the doctor on the 29th, and I would like to have an area for her to look into.
Does anyone have any medical advice? I appreciate the tests, I know I need the tests. I appreciate the herbal route, but quite frankly I want something that has been medically tested and proven to help. I do see the medication I have been prescribed as ‘band aids’ that have opened up additional problems, but does anyone have some good stuff? Thanks!

A: g-a-b: I appreciate you’ve got to make a living, but please don’t peddle your snake oil here.

Q: Why do i have to have a MRI?
I have seen a neurologist for dizziness, balance problems, memory and comprehension problems, pins and needles and muscle weakness. I have also been suffering from migraines to the point of vomiting and pain relief not helping. These symptoms have been coming on and off for the past 14 months.

I have had blood tests done everything is normal, blood sugar is fine random and fasting, thyroid is fine, im not deficient in anything.

I do have a high resting heart rate usually in between 120-130 bpm, my blood pressure has been around the 135/90 for about 4 years (im not medicated for it and im not over weight or anything) I also had an abnormal ECG st wave changes or something, the cardiologist wasnt concerned and i had an ultrasound of my heart there was no structural abnormalities. The cardiologist wasnt concerned and said i had nothing to worry about.

I have seen an ear nose and throat dr to rule out vestibular dysfunction and i have also had an EEG done with my brain wave patterns being fine.

Well my neurologist has prescribed me beta blockers he said it would lower my bp a bit and it will help to control my migraines.

He said i have to have an MRI and said he just wants to rule out serious conditions. Does anyone have any idea what he is looking for?

Sorry this was so long i just thought i would give the back ground info

A: I would think they would be looking for any brain abnormalities or growths. It sounds like you have already been through so much, an MRI is no big deal! It’s just one more test that the Dr can use to rule out problems and get a clear view into your head. Don’t worry about it, just look at it with a hopeful view that your Dr will come out of it with a plan of action to help you feel better soon.

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