What are Vestibular Migraines?

I've always had chronic migraines since I was in high school. I would always feel the nauseous, tired, & then would get the headache or migraine episode attack. I would get car sickness as a child. I would feel tired after the migraine or headache attack. I would need to lay down and take a nap. At this time, I would take Tylenol or Excedrin to ease my pain and headache. It would eventually go away after a few hours. As I look back in my own past history now, I've asked myself this question; "Is this a true headache or was this the beginning of the vestibular migraine symptoms and episodes?"

For context, "What are Vestibular Migraines?" According to PubMed Central (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) Vestibular) "Vestibular Migraines are a neurological condition characterized by recurrent, episodic vertigo or dizziness, typically lasting minutes to hours, often accompanied by migraine features like sensitivity to light/sound or head pain. These episodes occur with or without a headache, often motion sickness and balance issue, sometimes termed as "migraineous vertigo." These attacks can last from minutes to days. " I've asked myself this question before, "What does Vestibular Migraines mean to me?" To answer this question, it means that this is a neurological disorder that doesn't resolve on its own. It is balance issues, the feeling of off balance, nauseous, vomiting, brain fog, lightheadedness, fatigue, constant tinnitus, the migraine pain, and pressure. There are many more symptoms with Vestibular Migraines. This is what it means to me and some of the characterized symptoms that have showed me in my experience.

I was diagnosed with Vestibular Migraines back in 2023. I was at my doctor's office for an appointment to see a neurologist. After we did the exam, testing, & symptoms that I was experiencing at that time, my neurologist was able to diagnose me with Vestibular Migraines. I had no clue at that time What Vestibular Migraine is and the symptoms. My neurologist explained to me what Vestibular Migraines are and the symptoms. We worked on our next steps for treatment and plan to see how we can manage the triggers and episodes. After explaining to me the definition of vestibular migraines and the symptoms that could go along with the episodes, I am able to understand more about what I have, symptoms, triggers, and where to find resources to help me manage my migraines and symptoms.

For the migraine community that has experience with Vestibular Migraines, "What does Vestibular Migraines mean to you?" If you would like to share, please comment below and subscribe. See you in the next Footprints Path.