Why Do Migraines Make Me Dizzy?

Migraine disorder is a neurological condition characterized by intense throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head. It's often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and sometimes dizziness.

Our team at Jacksonville ENT Surgery is often tasked with addressing problems related to vertigo or dizziness that may be associated with migraine disorder, or not.

Read more from our group about migraine-associated dizziness, other conditions that cause it, and how we can help.

The link between migraines and dizziness

Dizziness during a migraine episode can be pretty unsettling. It's often described as feeling lightheaded, off-balance, or even like the room is spinning (vertigo).

While the exact mechanisms aren't fully understood, several factors contribute to this sensation:

Vascular changes

Migraines are associated with changes in blood flow to the brain. During a migraine attack, blood vessels in the brain can constrict (narrow) and then dilate (widen), leading to pain and fluctuations in blood flow.

These changes can affect the inner ear, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and equilibrium.

Neurological sensitivity

The brain of a person experiencing a migraine becomes hypersensitive to stimuli. This sensitivity can extend to the vestibular system, which helps regulate balance and spatial orientation.

Any disturbance in this system due to migraine activity can result in feelings of dizziness.

Secondary symptoms

Nausea and vomiting, common during migraines, can also contribute. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances resulting from these symptoms can further affect balance and exacerbate feelings of dizziness.

Managing migraine-related dizziness

If you experience dizziness along with migraines, these strategies may help:

Medication

Consult your healthcare provider about medications specifically designed to alleviate migraine symptoms, including dizziness.

Managing migraine triggers 

Identify and avoid triggers that may cause migraines, such as specific foods, stress, hormonal fluctuations, or environmental factors.

Stay hydrated

Maintain adequate hydration, especially during migraine attacks, to help prevent secondary symptoms like dizziness.

Destress

Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to help minimize the frequency and intensity of migraines.

Seek medical care

If dizziness persists or worsens, despite these measures, consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine if other underlying causes need to be addressed.

Treating dizziness and vertigo from an ENT perspective

Vertigo and dizziness differ in several ways. Dizziness causes you to feel off-balance or lightheaded. Vertigo is a more severe sensation that causes you to feel as if your environment is spinning or tilting around you.

The causes of both range from inner ear infection to chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis or migraine disorder. Thus, your treatment at Jacksonville ENT Surgery begins with identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Our specialists then design a treatment strategy tailored to your specific needs, which may include medication, balance training, or vestibular rehabilitation for conditions such as vertigo, dizziness, and other vestibular disorders.

Struggling with dizziness or vertigo?

Whether your symptoms are related to migraine, another neurological disorder, or an ear infection, we can help reduce the impact of dizziness or vertigo on your life.

Schedule a visit at Jacksonville ENT Surgery by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.