Migraine with dizziness and vertigo
Vestibular migraine
Recurrent vertigo, dizziness and balance problems caused by migraine, with or without headache. A leading cause of spontaneous, recurring vertigo that is frequently missed.
~1% of the population · a common cause of recurrent vertigo
What vestibular migraine is
Vestibular migraine is migraine that shows up as dizziness or vertigo rather than, or as well as, head pain. Episodes can last minutes to days and may come with sensitivity to light, sound or motion.
Because the headache can be mild or absent, it is often mistaken for an inner-ear problem and can take years to diagnose.
How it is recognised
Diagnosis rests on the pattern of episodes and their link to other migraine features.
- Recurrent vestibular symptoms of moderate or severe intensity
- A current or past history of migraine
- Migraine features such as light sensitivity or visual aura during episodes
- Other causes of vertigo reasonably excluded
What Erin does about it
From your story to a working plan
- 01The intake screens for the vestibular pattern that distinguishes migraine from inner-ear causes
- 02Your assessment frames a working diagnosis and flags when ENT or neurology input is needed
- 03You receive a plain-language summary; your clinician receives a structured SOAP note where licensed
- 04Education covers triggers, vestibular rehabilitation and the preventive options that help
