Cure/kyo͝or
DEFINITON: relieve (a person or animal) of the symptoms of a disease or condition.
Let's dive right in.
If you're experiencing dizziness, vertigo, headaches, or other symptoms associated with migraines, you could be suffering from Vestibular Migraine. This condition affects the vestibular system, which controls balance and orientation. Managing the symptoms of Vestibular Migraine can be challenging, but there are effective ways to find relief. Believe me, I've been there.
Disclaimer
Information provided on the site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you're seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
Understanding Vestibular Migraine
If you suffer from migraines, you may be familiar with dizziness and vertigo as symptoms. However, Vestibular Migraine is a specific type of migraine that affects the vestibular system. The vestibular system is responsible for regulating balance and spatial orientation, which means that Vestibular Migraine can cause significant challenges for individuals who experience it. Unlike other types of migraines, Vestibular Migraine may not always be accompanied by a headache, although some individuals do experience both.
My Symptoms of Vestibular Migraine
Symptoms of Vestibular Migraine can vary from person to person, but here were mine.
Dizziness or vertigo (I had different kinds at different times).
Running into walls like your drunk is usually Vertigo. Moments of a woozy feeling that only last 15 seconds or so each or when you turn your head is classic dizziness.
Nausea/Vomiting
Sensitivity to light and sound
Derealization
Anxiety Attacks
Numbness in toes
Headaches
Aura
I had just given birth to my second child when I experienced my first bout of symptoms. I hear that a lot of people experience it abruptly and all at once. Mine was abruptly put into my life, however, it started with an aura attack that blinded me for a good 20minutes and no headache. This happened twice over 4 weeks. Then the dizziness and vertigo attacks trickled in. By the time I was 7 weeks postpartum, I had the full range of symptoms above.
I was exclusively breastfeeding my son and before I know what it was, I leaned into my breastfeeding/pumping Facebook group which pointed towards normal hormonal symptoms from breastfeeding. Ultimately I decided to stop breastfeeding when my son was 12 weeks old with the thought that I would finally be free from the shackles of these symptoms. Boy, was I wrong. Hindsight being 20/20, I would have continued to breastfeed if I had known before weaning what was actually wrong. After weaning completely and allowing 4 weeks to pass, I sadly saw that the symptoms were not going anywhere. I lost hope. For moments, I even got so depressed that I wondered how someone could even find joy in a life like this anymore. (If you are feeling similarly, please hang in to the end of this blog, because I wish I could tell my younger self that I would defeat it).
I started from the bottom with a simple wellness visit with my doctor for a CBC blood test. Nothing was obviously wrong. I did all of my own self-diagnosing and research to find out what the hell was wrong with me. This was NOT in my head dammit. Well, it is, but it isn't. Poor choice of words.
FINALLY, I came across an article on google that stood out to me. 'Vestibular Migraines signs and symptoms'. *Click*
Literally, I felt like the sun started to shine for a moment. Now I know what is going on. Except there is "no cure and minimal treatments". Greeeaaattttttt. At that moment, I tried to find a virtual neurologist that I could see with a 4.5 month old baby in my arms. I came across an app called Neura, and saw that they had an appointment the NEXT DAY. Whew. Sign me up. The following day, I explained my symptoms to Dr.Liu and he confirmed that he did believe it was Vestibular Migraine. I was immediately prescribed propranolol and put on an intense vitamin regimen. I was also told I needed to attend rehab. No, no, no. Not that rehab; Physical Therapy to help with the vestibular symptoms. It is also referred to as Vestibular Rehab Therapy (VRT). I scheduled my virtual rehab, and picked up my meds and vitamins the same day. The biggest challenge is identifying your triggers (the things that send your life into a spiraling abyss). When I was experimenting with my triggers trying to find out which ones really impacted me, it was a doozy. I remember trying whiskey for the first time after being alcohol free for months, I was doing great surprisingly, until I woke up the next morning to grab my baby for his early morning bottle and I walked straight into my bedroom wall. It was full sea legs on dry land. I never drank whiskey after that. I've had my fair share of beers over the past few months, with little to no problems, so not everything seems to be off limits. There is a theory that darker liquors are a problem, so try Vodka first if you are experimenting. I have also learned that I can have exactly 1 chocolate small chocolate bar, but anything further sends me on the woozy wagon. I have also been caffeine free since March of 2023. Going on a year now; which is wild because anyone who knows me, knows that I live for coffee. So now my coffee's are unloaded and simply a placebo effect that I drink in the mornings to pretend it will resurrect me.
Moral of story, I have days where I overdo my threshold and I have to break out the Meclizine to keep me steady, but I have to do that maybe twice a year. Otherwise, I just get a little dizzier than average during my cycle, and that's it. Totally manageable. You can HEAL. Keep trying to find your perfect cocktail of remedies!
Vestibular Shopping List!
Everything that I think is SUPER important is in a nice little Amazon-linked list below. Remember, any vitamin, medication, or remedy WILL take about 6-8 weeks to become therapeutic. Keep hope. It was the longest 8 weeks I had waited.
THE MUST HAVES!
Magnesium Glycinate - I take anywhere from 300mg to 400mg daily. It depends on how my stomach is doing because this vitamin has laxative effects. Cute, I know. Not all magnesium is the same. There is Oxide, Threonate, etc. Glycinate seems to be the most effective and easy on the tummy.
Vitamin B2 - I take these 400mg capsules, its enough for 3 months! Your pee will never be clear again. It will absolutely look like a highlighter because of these, but they are VERY important.
Vitamin D3 + K2 - I normally take 2000IU's but it's winter right now, so I have kicked it up to 5000IU's. Ill go back down in the summertime.
Neura Membership - This was crucial for me getting into a neurologist quickly! They can schedule scans, prescribe meds, chat with you through a chat at any time, etc. It's amazing. It's at least a good start until you can get into an in-person Neuro in the long term.
Depending on your triggers, you may not need any of the following, or you may need all of them! Make sure to read about 'Triggers' below before you start swiping the credit card! No need to waste money needlessly, am I right?
Identifying Migraine Triggers
Vestibular Migraine triggers can vary from person to person, but there are a few common culprits to watch out for. Identifying your specific triggers is key to avoiding or reducing the frequency and severity of your episodes. Here are some of the most common Vestibular Migraine triggers:
Trigger | Description |
Stress | Emotional and physical stress can trigger Vestibular Migraine. Finding ways to manage stress, such as meditation or yoga, can help minimize the impact of this trigger. *I have severe anxiety and PTSD, so this was definitely on my list, ha! Remedy: CBD helps some, and SSRI's help others. No shame in either. |
Sleep disruptions | Changes to your sleep patterns can trigger migraines. Aim for a consistent sleep schedule and get enough restful sleep to avoid this trigger. Remedy: Stop doom scrolling Facebook and Instagram and get some shut-eye. Also no blue-light 1 hour before bed can be helpful! |
Diet and hydration | Consuming certain foods and drinks can trigger migraines. Common triggers include caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and aged cheeses. Keeping a food diary can help you identify your specific triggers. Remedy: The Dizzy Cook has recipes for the elimination diet! I didn't personally use her book, I cheated and just got rid of the most common culprits. (Caffeine, liquor, chocolate, and citrus!) |
Weather changes | Changes in atmospheric pressure, temperature, or humidity can trigger migraines. Keeping an eye on the weather and preparing accordingly can help minimize the impact of this trigger. Remedy: I had heard that people have a good experience with WeatherX Ear Plugs! |
Visual stimulation | Bright or flickering lights, screen time, and highly visual environments can trigger migraines. Reducing exposure to these stimuli, such as by using blue light filtering glasses or taking breaks from screen time, can help reduce the likelihood of an episode. Remedy: These Migraine Glasses are a great way combat those environments. |
Hormones | Changes in hormones, especially women's can be a huge trigger. If you notice you get especially dizzy around your period or ovulation, this could be a trigger for you. Don't jump to birth control yet! If you have had Aura with your migraine, birth control is off limits. You can only take the 'mini pill', to avoid strokes! Remedy: There really isn't one that I have found, but others have sworn by Hormone Replacement Therapy and making sure your hormones are in check. Sometimes you just have to have your Meclizine ready on those days! |
Identifying your specific triggers may take some time and experimentation, but it is an essential step towards managing your Vestibular Migraine effectively. Don't hesitate to seek support from healthcare professionals or support groups to help you in this process. My favorite is The 'Vestibular Migraine Community' on Facebook.
My Medication
When I spoke with Dr.Liu, he put me on a Beta Blocker. I'm thinking, "Okay... but... what does high blood pressure have to do with migraine? I don't get it." Beta blockers are actually an off-label use for Migraine, and he reassured me that lots of people have success with them. I was desperate, so when I waltzed into Walgreens to get my Propranolol, popped it open and took my first daily dose. I had to work my way up from the lowest does to the 180mg dose he wanted me at. Let me tell you what... When I got to my 2nd day on my 180mg dose, I had THE most vivid nightmare that I have ever had in my entire life. When I woke up from it my ears were ringing, my body was sweaty and shaky, and I was almost convinced it was a vision because of how vivid and lucid it felt. Apparently that is a normal side effect for Propranolol so I messaged Dr.Liu and he brought me back down to 120mg daily, which is what I have been on ever since! He also prescribed me Zomig (Zolmitriptan) for my headaches as an abortive, which works like a charm, but this only comes after trying Sumatriptan and violently throwing up, so sometimes you just have to find what works for YOU. Something will. Keep trying!
Prescription Medications
This is the medication flowchart that Neurologists who are familiar with VM are likely to follow, though some may skip certain ones and prescribe you what they think will be the most effective for your body!
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