A vestibular migraine, also called migraine-associated vertigo, is a migraine that causes dizziness. Signs and symptoms of a vestibular migraine include the typical symptoms of a regular migraine, along with vestibular and hearing symptoms. Although migraines are quite common---they affect more than 20 million people in the United States, according to the Loyola University Health System---vestibular migraines occur much less frequently, and only about 25 percent of people with migraines experience vestibular migraines.
Typical Migraine Symptoms
A classic symptom of migraine headache is severe throbbing pain that typically occurs on only one side of the head. The pain usually worsens over time if not treated, and can last from several hours to days. Some people experience flashes of light or patterns before the eyes, commonly known as an aura, prior to the onset of pain. Migraine sufferers often experience nausea and vomiting, along with an intense sensitivity to light and sound. In order to cope, many feel the need to retreat to a quiet, dark room to sleep.
Vestibular Symptoms
People who suffer from migraines are all too familiar with the condition's typical signs and symptoms. Many, however, do not realize that there is an association between migraines and the functioning of the inner ear mechanisms that affect balance and hearing. This association produces symptoms specific to a vestibular migraine, including vertigo, unsteadiness and lack of balance. The dizziness can occur prior to, during or after the headache pain. In a typical migraine, excruciating pain is the predominant focus. In a vestibular migraine, dizziness and imbalance are more problematic. Vestibular migraine sufferers also experience extreme sensitivity to movement and often develop motion sickness. According to the American Hearing Research Foundation, it is common for a person to have migraines for years before developing vestibular migraines.
Hearing Symptoms
A vestibular migraine may also produce symptoms related to hearing. The most common include a sense of fullness in the ears, muffled hearing and ringing in the ear. According to the Johns Hopkins Health Center, hearing symptoms associated with vestibular migraine often occur without the characteristic headache pain.
