What to Know About Vestibular Migraines
There are many types of migraines: chronic, vestibular, cervicogenic, and menstrual, just to name a few. The prevalence of migraines is very high in our country, with one in seven Americans experiencing migraine. Vestibular migraine, specifically, is the most common neurological condition seen in balance disorder clinics, accounting for a whopping 41% of patients. It is also noteworthy that females are five times more likely to experience this type of migraine than males.
Differentiating between types of migraines can be difficult, but today we are going to outline the most typical experience with vestibular migraine:
Episodes that last minutes to days
Uncontrolled movement of the eyes, otherwise known as “nystagmus”
Sensitivity to light and sound; possible auras
Headaches that may or may not coincide with experiences of vertigo
Visual vertigo can be very severe, which is defined as “ vertigo worsened by visual stimulation such as scrolling patterns, moving objects, and movement of large crowds”
Do any of these symptoms sound familiar to you? If so, then you may be a great candidate for vestibular therapy! Treatment of vestibular migraines includes identifying and reducing your triggers, medication management, and physical therapy. When initiating physical therapy to support your rehabilitation and prevention of these migraines, your physical therapist will do some tests and assessments to identify triggering factors and tasks that are made difficult by your vestibular system, and prescribe exercises accordingly. The four main focuses of vestibular rehabilitation exercises include gaze stabilization, habituation, balance training, and walking endurance. Physical therapy can help reduce your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life!
Have more questions about treating your vestibular migraines? We would be happy to chat further about how Loon State Physical Therapy can be your teammate in getting you back to moving and feeling your best! Call us at (612) 405-8503 or book with us online at www.loonstatephysicaltherapy.com for an in-person or virtual appointment.
Bailey McCorkell, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Loon State Physical Therapy