What should you know about vestibular migraine treatment?

Vestibular migraine can cause vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, head pain, nausea, light sensitivity or sound sensitivity. Symptoms do not always arrive together, and vertigo may be more disabling than the headache. A clinician usually reviews episode timing, movement or visual triggers, previous migraine features, medicines and other possible causes before choosing treatment.

The plan may have two parts: treating an episode when it starts and lowering the chance or intensity of future episodes. Depending on your pattern, a clinician may discuss migraine medicines, a preventive option, vestibular rehabilitation, or assessment of eyesight, hearing and balance. The right choice depends on your health, other medicines and the symptoms that affect you most.

Take prescribed medicines according to the plan and keep a diary of vertigo, headache, nausea, light sensitivity, sleep, meals, fluids, stress and possible triggers. Regular meals, adequate hydration, consistent sleep and gradual activity can make patterns easier to recognise. During an attack, reduce screen exposure, rest in a safe quiet place and avoid driving until you are fully steady.

If balance remains difficult between attacks, ask whether vestibular rehabilitation could help your brain adapt to movement. Review the plan if attacks continue, medicines cause troublesome effects, or you are using acute headache medicines often. A pharmacist or clinician can check for interactions before you add a new remedy.

Get emergency help for a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, new double vision or vision loss, inability to walk, chest pain, or a severe episode after head injury. Seek prompt advice for a first episode, a major change from your usual pattern, persistent vomiting, fever with a stiff neck, or dizziness with new hearing loss.

Ask which symptoms should be treated immediately, whether you need preventive treatment, how long to try a plan before review, whether rehabilitation is suitable, and which medicines or health conditions could affect your options.