Living with Vestibular Migraines? Can Physio Help?

Imagine feeling dizzy, disoriented, or off-balance without warning, sometimes without even having a headache. This is the reality for many people living with vestibular migraines. Unlike typical migraines, which center on head pain, vestibular migraines affect the inner ear and brain areas responsible for balance. As a result, those who experience them may struggle with frequent vertigo, nausea, visual disturbances, and unsteadiness.

To help with balance and symptom relief, vestibular physiotherapy in Edmonton is suggested in particular situations. Vestibular migraines don’t just impact physical stability; they affect confidence, daily routines, and overall quality of life.

What Is a Vestibular Migraine?

Recurrent bouts of vertigo and dizziness are the hallmark of vestibular migraines, a kind of migraine that is frequently accompanied by other migraine symptoms such as headache, nausea, and light and sound sensitivity. Vestibular migraines create more incapacitating balance problems than typical migraines. Their unpredictable episodes, lasting minutes to days, often trigger anxiety and disrupt routines.

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of vestibular migraines can vary widely among individuals, but commonly include:

Vertigo: A sensation of spinning or moving, either of oneself or the surroundings. This can range from a subtle feeling of unsteadiness to intense, debilitating rotational vertigo.
Dizziness: A general term encompassing lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or a feeling of disorientation.
Imbalance: Difficulty maintaining balance, leading to stumbling or a sensation of falling.
Nausea and Vomiting: Often accompanying the vertigo, these symptoms can further incapacitate individuals.
Headache: While not always present or severe, a headache can occur before, during, or after a vestibular migraine episode.
Sensitivity to Motion (Motion Sickness): Increased susceptibility to motion sickness, even from activities that previously caused no issues.
Visual Disturbances: This can include blurred vision, double vision, or a feeling of “visual vertigo” where complex visual environments trigger symptoms.
Tinnitus or Muffled Hearing: Some people may experience a sensation of ringing in their ears or a feeling of fullness in their ears.

These symptoms often vary in intensity and frequency, making diagnosis difficult. Neurologists or ENT specialists typically help rule out other conditions with similar signs.

Triggers and Contributing Factors

Like other types of migraines, vestibular migraines can be triggered by a range of factors. Living with the condition involves recognizing and controlling these triggers. Common triggers include:

Stress: High levels of stress can exacerbate migraine activity.
Sleep Disturbances: Both sleep deprivation and excess can be triggers.
Dietary Factors: Caffeine, aged cheeses, chocolate, and processed meats are among the foods and drinks that some people may experience symptoms with.
Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy, menopause, or menstruation may be a factor for women.
Weather Changes: Changes in barometric pressure or extreme weather conditions can sometimes trigger episodes.
Sensory Overload: Bright or flickering lights, loud noises, or strong smells can sometimes precipitate an attack.

Tracking triggers helps reduce the frequency and severity of vestibular migraines. Identifying and avoiding them can significantly improve your quality of life.

The Role of Physiotherapy in Vestibular Migraine Management

While medication helps manage attacks, physiotherapy offers a non-drug approach to address the balance and dizziness issues of vestibular migraines. Vestibular Physiotherapy in Edmonton can help individuals adapt to and reduce these symptoms.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy for vestibular migraines retrains the vestibular system and builds tolerance to movement. A personalized plan is developed after a thorough assessment to address specific challenges.

Key components of vestibular rehabilitation often include:

Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises help maintain sharp vision while moving the head. This is especially helpful for those with visual blurring or disorientation during head movements.
Habituation Exercises: These exercises involve repeated exposure to symptom-triggering movements or visuals to desensitize the vestibular system gradually. Activities may include head turns, balance tasks, or visual tracking.
Balance Training: Exercises that aim to improve static and dynamic balance are crucial. This could involve walking on uneven terrain, standing on one leg, or performing balancing activities that demand skill.
Postural Control Training: Addressing any underlying postural imbalances that might contribute to dizziness or unsteadiness.
Motion Tolerance Training: Gradually increasing exposure to movements that trigger motion sickness or vertigo, helping the brain to adapt.
Education and Lifestyle Modifications: Physiotherapists educate patients on managing triggers, pacing activities, and reducing stress, helping them take an active role in recovery.

Exercises are gradually progressed to reduce the impact of vestibular migraines, improve function, and support daily life. Consistent, guided practice is key for lasting results.

When Should You Consider Vestibular Physiotherapy?

While every vestibular migraine sufferer is different, certain signs suggest physiotherapy may be helpful:

Persistent dizziness or unsteadiness between migraine episodes
Increased sensitivity to motion, light, or sound
Trouble walking straight or maintaining posture
Staying away from everyday activities because of a fear of causing symptoms
Limited relief from medication alone

Vestibular rehabilitation won’t eliminate migraines, but it helps your body better manage and recover from symptoms.

Managing Symptoms at Home Alongside Physio

While vestibular rehabilitation offers structured support, managing symptoms also involves lifestyle adjustments. Here are some strategies to enhance your recovery:

Keep a migraine diary: Track triggers, episodes, and responses to therapy.
Limit screen time: Reduce digital exposure to avoid visual overload.
Practice gentle movement: Low-impact activities can improve balance without overstimulation.
Stay hydrated and well-rested: Fatigue and dehydration are common triggers for illness.
Control your environment: Use dim lighting and avoid noisy, chaotic settings when your symptoms are at their peak.

These self-care practices are most effective when combined with a professional physiotherapy plan.

Finding Balance Again

While vestibular migraines can feel overwhelming, there are paths forward that don’t rely solely on medication. Vestibular physiotherapy in Edmonton offers a focused, movement-based approach to mitigate the effects of dizziness, visual sensitivity, and imbalance.

At West Henday Physical Therapy, patients can access tailored physiotherapy care specifically designed to help them navigate the unique challenges associated with vestibular conditions. Vestibular rehab addresses both physical and mental symptoms, helping restore control and ease in daily life. Take control of your vestibular symptoms. Book your physiotherapy assessment today.

876 Webber Greens Drive NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 4K5

reception@westhendayphysio.com

Living with Vestibular Migraines? Can Physio Help?