Patients describe either minutes through to hours of vertigo, nearly always associated with nausea and nearly never with hearing issues. Some of the episodes of vertigo may be present with common migraine features, such as headaches and light sensitivity. Patients frequently have a history of motion sickness and migraines.
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Like other types of migraines, vestibular migraines may have triggers. These can be obvious or may take time to identiy.
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Your specialist will ask questions and do a thorough examination of your ears, balance and hearing systems. They will undertake a hearing test and some imaging of the brain and ears. Based on the above they will be able to ascertain whether you have vestibular migraines.
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There are 3 main principles to treating migraines:
Identify and then remove triggers
Treat episodes with anti-sickness medications and/or painkiller (if head pain is present)
Consider migraine preventing medications in those with frequent episodes
It is important that you discuss the limitations and side-effects of medications with your specialist so that you can make an informed decision about the best treatment for you.