Migraine-Associated Vertigo and Nausea in Adults and Children

Published OnAugust 28, 2019

Dr Vishal Jogi Brain & Health, Migraines & Headaches
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Along with excruciating pain and sensitivity to light and sound, severe and acute migraines can also cause vertigo and nausea. This is what known as Migraine-associated vertigo (MAV).

Migraine-associated vertigo (MAV) is generally unsteadiness and dizziness that occurs along with a migraine pain. About 40 percent of people with migraines have experienced some kind of dizziness or disruption in their balance during an attack. [Source: VESTIBULAR.ORG]

  • Migrainous Vertigo
  • Vestibular Migraines
  • Migraine-related vestibulopathy

SYMPTOMS OF MIGRAINE-ASSOCIATED VERTIGO

MAV doesn’t always cause headaches. The main symptom is dizziness that comes and goes. If you have MAV you may feel:

  • Dizziness that lasts more than a few minutes
  • Nausea
  • Balance problems
  • Extreme motion sensitivity – feeling dizzy when you move your head, eyes & body
  • Feeling confused or disoriented
  • Sensitivity to sound

WHAT CAUSES THEM?

Experts aren’t sure. Like migraines, there are a lot of theories. But how it really happens is poorly understood. They credit it to misfires between nerve cells in your brain.

MIGRAINE AND NAUSEA IN CHILDREN

About 10 percent of school-age children have had a migraine, according to the Migraine Research Foundation. Children with migraines will have symptoms differently than adults with migraines. Abdominal pain and vomiting are very common in children who have migraines.

Other non-migraine symptoms children with migraines might experience include:

  • attacks of stomach pain or cramping
  • sensitivity to light or sound
  • dizziness
  • mood changes

SEE ALSO: How Can You Help Your Child with Different Types of Headaches?

HOW ARE MIGRAINE-ASSOCIATED VERTIGO DIAGNOSED?

There is no specific blood test or imaging test that can tell for sure. But the International Headache Society and other organizations recently set up the first criteria to help your neurologist diagnose the disorder.

You could be having a MAV if:

  • You have migraines or had them in the past.
  • You have at least 5 episodes of vertigo that make you feel like you are spinning or moving.
  • Your symptoms are moderate to severe.

WHEN TO SEE A NEUROLOGIST

Consult your neurologist if you or your child are experiencing vertigo or nausea along with your migraines. After carefully studying your medical history, your neurologist will guide you with a migraine treatment or Migraine-Assocoated Vertigo treatment plans to manage your symptoms.