Do migraines cause dizziness
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
The Relationship Between Migraines and Dizziness
Migrainous Vertigo: A Common Cause of Dizziness
Migrainous vertigo (MV), also known as vestibular migraine, is a significant cause of dizziness and vertigo. MV is characterized by episodes of spontaneous or positional vertigo that can last from seconds to days, often accompanied by typical migraine symptoms such as headache, photophobia, and phonophobia 139. This condition is notably prevalent, affecting a substantial portion of patients in both dizziness and headache clinics 9.
Prevalence of Dizziness During Migraine Phases
Dizziness and vertigo are frequently reported during both the prodromal and headache phases of migraines. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that during the headache phase, the relative frequency of dizziness ranged from 6.7% to 59.6%, and vertigo from 6.4% to 44.7% 2. This indicates that dizziness is a common symptom experienced by migraine sufferers, particularly during the headache phase.
Comorbidity with Other Vestibular Disorders
Migraine is statistically associated with several vestibular disorders, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and Meniere's disease, although the exact pathogenetic links remain unclear 17. Additionally, migraineurs are more prone to motion sickness and may experience persistent cerebellar symptoms, further contributing to dizziness 17.
Diagnostic Challenges and Underdiagnosis
Diagnosing MV can be challenging due to the broad spectrum of vertigo manifestations and the lack of pathognomonic tests. Many other conditions, such as Meniere's disease and transient ischemic attacks, must be ruled out first 3. Despite its prevalence, MV is often underdiagnosed, highlighting the need for increased awareness and better diagnostic criteria 39.
Treatment and Management
The treatment of vestibular migraine often mirrors that of traditional migraine management, including dietary changes, medication, and lifestyle adaptations. Studies have shown that a significant proportion of patients experience relief from vertigo and dizziness symptoms with these treatments 479. Medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, beta-blockers, and calcium-channel blockers have been used with varying degrees of success 47.
Conclusion
In summary, migraines are a well-documented cause of dizziness and vertigo, with migrainous vertigo being a common and often underdiagnosed condition. The prevalence of dizziness during migraine phases underscores the importance of recognizing and appropriately managing this symptom to improve patient outcomes. Further research and standardized diagnostic criteria are essential to better understand and treat this debilitating aspect of migraines.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic