What is a Vestibular Migraine and How Physiotherapy Can Help

At MTM Physiotherapy Duncraig, we often see patients struggling with symptoms that affect daily life, including walking, driving, or simply standing up without feeling dizzy. The good news is that physiotherapy can help manage these symptoms and improve quality of life.

What is a Vestibular Migraine?

A vestibular migraine is a type of migraine that primarily affects your balance and spatial orientation. While some patients also experience a headache, others may only have:

• Dizziness or vertigo

• Lightheadedness

• Nausea

• Sensitivity to motion

• Difficulty focusing or feeling “off-balance”

Symptoms can last minutes to hours, sometimes even longer, and may be triggered by stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, or lack of sleep.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Vestibular migraines often involve the inner ear and vestibular system, which helps control balance and spatial awareness. Physiotherapists trained in vestibular rehabilitation can:

• Assess balance and movement patterns

• Provide vestibular exercises to reduce dizziness

• Suggest habituation techniques to improve tolerance to motion

• Improve posture, strength, and stability to prevent falls

• Offer strategies for daily activities to reduce symptoms

With consistent physiotherapy, many patients notice fewer episodes, reduced severity, and improved confidence with movement.

When to Contact a Physiotherapist

You should consider seeking physiotherapy if you experience:

• Recurrent dizziness or vertigo

• Balance difficulties affecting daily tasks

• Migraines accompanied by nausea or motion sensitivity

• Symptoms that don’t improve with rest or typical migraine medications

Early assessment is important — physiotherapists can create personalised plans to help manage symptoms and prevent secondary complications like falls or activity avoidance.

Additional Tips for Managing Vestibular Migraines

Alongside physiotherapy, patients often benefit from:

• Keeping a symptom diary to identify triggers

• Managing stress and sleep patterns

• Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet

• Gradual exposure to movements that provoke mild dizziness (under guidance)

These strategies, combined with vestibular rehabilitation, can significantly reduce the impact of vestibular migraines on daily life.

Take Control of Your Balance and Migraine Symptoms

Vestibular migraines can be disruptive and frightening, but they are manageable. At MTM Physiotherapy Duncraig, our physiotherapists work with you to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and support your overall wellbeing.