What causes headaches and dizziness everyday
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Causes of Everyday Headaches and Dizziness
Migraine-Associated Dizziness and Headaches
One of the most common causes of daily headaches and dizziness is migraine. Migrainous vertigo (MV) is a vestibular syndrome caused by migraine, presenting with spontaneous or positional vertigo that can last from seconds to days, often accompanied by migrainous symptoms during the attack1. Studies have shown that dizziness and vertigo are frequent symptoms during both the prodromal and headache phases of migraine, with dizziness occurring in up to 35.7% and vertigo in 33.9% of cases during the headache phase3. Vestibular migraine is notably the most frequent cause of episodic vertigo in both adults and children6.
Psychiatric Comorbidities
Psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression are also significant contributors to the experience of dizziness and headaches. About half of adolescents with vertigo and dizziness show psychiatric comorbidity and somatization2. Additionally, there is a recognized condition termed migraine-anxiety related dizziness (MARD), where dizziness is associated with both migraine and anxiety disorders7. This comorbidity can exacerbate the symptoms, making the dizziness more disabling during migraine attacks or panic episodes7.
Orthostatic Intolerance
Orthostatic intolerance, including conditions like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), is another cause of dizziness and headaches. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as palpitations, tachycardia, and presyncope or syncope upon standing, which can overlap with migraine symptoms4. In children and adolescents, dizziness due to orthostatic intolerance is a common complaint among those suffering from headaches8.
Cervicogenic Factors
Mechanical issues related to the neck, such as cervicogenic headaches, can also cause dizziness and headaches. These headaches originate from the cervical spine and are often accompanied by vestibular symptoms4. Studies have shown that neck-specific exercises and prescribed physical activity can improve headache intensity and dizziness in individuals with cervical radiculopathy, highlighting the importance of addressing neck pain and muscle endurance in these cases9.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Hormonal changes, particularly during the perimenopausal period, can trigger migraines and associated dizziness. The fluctuations in ovarian neurosteroid levels during perimenopause can activate migraines, with vestibular migraine being a significant cause of dizziness in this demographic10. Recognizing the influence of hormonal changes on migraine genesis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
Everyday headaches and dizziness can stem from a variety of causes, including migraine-associated vertigo, psychiatric comorbidities, orthostatic intolerance, cervicogenic factors, and hormonal fluctuations. Understanding these underlying causes is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment, improving the quality of life for those affected by these debilitating symptoms.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Vertigo and Dizziness Related to Migraine: A Diagnostic Challenge
Vertigo and dizziness related to migraine can be caused by migraine, other disorders, or just by chance, making diagnosis challenging.
Highly CitedVertigo and dizziness in children.
Pediatricians and neuro-otologists should be aware of the full spectrum of causes of vertigo and dizziness in children and adolescents, with migraine-related syndromes being the most common cause and specific approaches needed for somatoform vertigo in adolescent girls.
Literature ReviewDizziness and vertigo during the prodromal phase and headache phase of migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Dizziness and vertigo are more frequent during the headache phase of migraine compared to the prodromal phase, but more research is needed for accurate measurements.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalHeadache-associated dizziness in a headache population: Prevalence and impact
Dizziness is a common accompanying symptom of headaches, particularly in migraines, and it exacerbates disability and depression, independent of visual symptoms.
Observational StudyVestibular migraine: the most frequent entity of episodic vertigo
Vestibular migraine is the most common cause of episodic vertigo in adults and children, but is still underdiagnosed.
Highly CitedMigraine–anxiety related dizziness (MARD): a new disorder?
Migraine-anxiety related dizziness (MARD) is a new symptom complex that combines balance disorders, migraine, and anxiety, potentially leading to new treatment options for patients with dizziness.
Highly CitedDizziness and Orthostatic Intolerance In Pediatric Headache Patients.
Pediatric headache patients often experience dizziness due to orthostatic intolerance or vertigo, which can be effectively managed through early diagnosis and treatment.
The effect of neck-specific exercise and prescribed physical activity on headache and dizziness in individuals with cervical radiculopathy: Further analyses of a randomized study with a 1-year follow-up
Neck-specific exercise and prescribed physical activity show similar improvements in headache intensity and dizziness in individuals with cervical radiculopathy, with headache intensity linked to neck pain and dizziness linked to neck pain and dorsal neck muscle endurance.
RCT