What is the leading cause of persistent spontaneous vertigo episodes? According to an editorial published in Frontiers in Neurology, the shocking answer is vestibular migraines (VM). While not all doctors acknowledge the existence of vestibular migraines as a separate condition, the condition leads to about 9% of visits to migraine clinics and 7% of visits to dizziness clinics.
Firstly, what is a vestibular migraine? Secondly, how are vertigo and migraines related? Lastly, is there a natural way to deal with these frequent and sudden vertigo attacks? Read on to learn more about this incredibly common condition.
What Is a Vestibular Migraine?
The short answer is that a vestibular migraine is a neurological condition that presents with vestibular symptoms. The classic symptoms of a migraine include:
- A throbbing or pounding pain, usually on just one side of the head
- Sensory sensitivity
- Nausea and possibly vomiting
However, a vestibular migraine goes beyond these symptoms and adds symptoms that are connected to the body’s balance system. In addition, these symptoms may also be present:
- Vertigo – a false sensation of movement
- Balance problems
- Dizziness/lightheadedness
- Disequilibrium – unsteadiness
- Motion sensitivity
- Muffled hearing
- Tinnitus – ringing in the ears
- A feeling of fullness in the ears
What Is the Relationship Between Vertigo and Migraines?
Since migraines are actually one of the most common vertigo causes, it makes sense that there should be some commonalities in how the two conditions occur. While the specific underlying cause of both migraines and vertigo is still in question, two things that continue to arise are the function of the brainstem and the proper flow of blood to the brain. As a result, some are considering an upper cervical misalignment to be a factor that can relate to both conditions since an atlas (C1) misalignment can affect both the brainstem and blood flow to the brain.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic for Vertigo and Vestibular Migraines
Upper cervical chiropractors are finding great success in helping vertigo patients as a number of case studies have shown. By correcting the atlas misalignment, proper blood flow and brainstem function can be restored. As a result, symptoms are reduced or eliminated. If you are suffering from vertigo or a vertigo-related condition, especially if you have suffered a head or neck injury at some point in the past, contact an upper cervical practitioner near you to learn more.
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