Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Lightheadedness And Vertigo Spells A Symptom Of Vestibular Migraine Disorder?
Question: neurologist told me that he suspects that i have vestibular migraines disorder…since all bloodwork and mri and mra of head are XXXXXXX without contrastl. I feel like when i walk things are moving… i get really lightheaded feel like i am going to pass out or fall.. inner ear has been ruled out. I am so scared what can this be… its going on 5 months.
he prescribed lexapro,, will xanax work or claritin? worse when i am standing, its better when i sit down.
he prescribed lexapro,, will xanax work or claritin? worse when i am standing, its better when i sit down.
Brief Answer:
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The feeling that you get of things moving while walking is known as oscillopsia. This may occur in many balance disorders.
2. Assuming that the diagnosis of vestibular migraine is correct, the likely trigger may be hormonal changes that normally occur around menopause. Other common triggers are sleep deprivation or disorders and food related. Keep a daily record of possible triggers. avoiding these will help.
3. It is important to discuss with your Neurologist to take a trial of anti-migraine medication such as triptans (including zolmitriptan), betablockers (metoprolol or propranol), anticonvulsants (valproic acid or topiramate) for at least 3–6 months, lamotrigine (single dose) , tricyclic antidepressants, flunarizine and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide. Vestibular suppressants such as promethazine, dimenhydrinate and meclizine may also help. Some of these medications are still under research, but have given good results in some cases.
4. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) will help.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The feeling that you get of things moving while walking is known as oscillopsia. This may occur in many balance disorders.
2. Assuming that the diagnosis of vestibular migraine is correct, the likely trigger may be hormonal changes that normally occur around menopause. Other common triggers are sleep deprivation or disorders and food related. Keep a daily record of possible triggers. avoiding these will help.
3. It is important to discuss with your Neurologist to take a trial of anti-migraine medication such as triptans (including zolmitriptan), betablockers (metoprolol or propranol), anticonvulsants (valproic acid or topiramate) for at least 3–6 months, lamotrigine (single dose) , tricyclic antidepressants, flunarizine and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide. Vestibular suppressants such as promethazine, dimenhydrinate and meclizine may also help. Some of these medications are still under research, but have given good results in some cases.
4. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) will help.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am sooo scared.
Brief Answer:
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. There is no reason to be scared as all your blood work and MRI Scans are normal.
2. Understanding the reasons of the vestibular migraine as an imbalance of stimuli to the brain should allay any unnecessary fears.
3. Many patients manage with far worse disorders.
4. You should concentrate on the trial of medications and VRT to restore balance.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. There is no reason to be scared as all your blood work and MRI Scans are normal.
2. Understanding the reasons of the vestibular migraine as an imbalance of stimuli to the brain should allay any unnecessary fears.
3. Many patients manage with far worse disorders.
4. You should concentrate on the trial of medications and VRT to restore balance.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
does this go away? I had a brief vertigo spell 5 months ago, and left me with this feeling. dr put me on lexapro? do u think that will work? I am fine when i am driving in the car
Brief Answer:
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Since the exact cause of vestibular migraine is unknown this is difficult to predict. For example, if it was due to hormonal change around menopause, it may not occur again. This is also because the brain usually compensates in 6-8 weeks.
2. At present the only treatment that can be suggested is anti-migraine medication. Anything else is experimental. Kindly go into the detailed medication suggested in my first answer, and try these out to check which one may work for you. If necessary, take a printout to your physician. There is no harm in trying out Lexapro.
3. I would recommend that you avoid driving till this is brought under control.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Since the exact cause of vestibular migraine is unknown this is difficult to predict. For example, if it was due to hormonal change around menopause, it may not occur again. This is also because the brain usually compensates in 6-8 weeks.
2. At present the only treatment that can be suggested is anti-migraine medication. Anything else is experimental. Kindly go into the detailed medication suggested in my first answer, and try these out to check which one may work for you. If necessary, take a printout to your physician. There is no harm in trying out Lexapro.
3. I would recommend that you avoid driving till this is brought under control.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
