Can Your Diet Help with Vestibular Migraines?

Imagine being unable to carry out your daily routines because of a headache, dizziness, and nausea. For many patients, this is a reality not due to common illnesses like the cold or flu, but rather because of another debilitating condition known as a migraine.

What are vestibular migraines?

Vestibular migraines are a neurological condition most associated with headaches. However, the distinction between a traditional migraine and a vestibular migraine is the latter features stronger balanced-based symptoms including vertigo and dizziness with less painful headaches.

What are the symptoms of vestibular migraines?

Signs that you may be developing a vestibular migraine include:

• Balance issues
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Light-headedness
• Sensitivity to stimuli (lights, sound, smells)

As previously mentioned, vestibular migraines present more so with balance disorders and visual auras rather than significant head pain.

Dr. Susan Yanik, a CEENTA otolaryngologist at our Concord and Huntersville offices, provided additional insight into this disorder. “Vestibular migraines are common, and often overlooked. Interestingly, patients can help us with their diagnosis if they are able to track the stimuli and the inciting factors for symptoms resembling a vestibular migraine and bringing those to the appointment."

What causes vestibular migraines?

Although the exact causes of vestibular migraines are under medical debate, most research points to the condition being hereditary. That said, multiple factors can exacerbate the condition, such as stress, fatigue, and diet changes.

How can your ENT physician treat vestibular migraines?

The first part of your treatment is to diagnose whether you are suffering from a vestibular migraine or another similar condition. Méniére’s disease, for example, also presents with vertigo and nausea.

It may be helpful to log your dizzy symptoms and headache and see if you can identify triggers yourself. Data like this is particularly helpful for your doctor’s visit.

Once you are diagnosed with a vestibular migraine, your management regimen may include adjusting your sleeping habits, stress management, and – interestingly enough – dietary considerations.

Researchers have been testing the link between a low sodium, non-processed diet and a possible reduction in vestibular migraines. Some foods that patients have been suggested to avoid in order to prevent migraine triggers include salted foods, pickles, nuts, and alcoholic beverages.

Vestibular migraines are one of many disorders that can affect your balance and coordination, and quite a few can be due to conditions in your ear. By relying on the expertise of a board-certified ear, nose, and throat physician at CEENTA, you can find the treatment options you need to live your life level again.

Schedule your next ENT appointment with Dr. Yanik at our Concord or Huntersville offices today through our online scheduling platform or through myCEENTAchart.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your physician. To schedule an appointment with an ENT doctor, you may do so online or through myCEENTAchart.