Vestibular Migraines: Understanding Dizziness, Symptoms, and Finding Relief

If you’ve ever been told “everything looks normal” after a dizzy spell but still don’t feel right, you may have heard the term vestibular migraine. This diagnosis can feel confusing, especially since it often comes after tests for your ears, eyes, or brain fail to show answers.

As Dr. Taves explained in The Headache Doctor Podcast, “Vestibular migraine is one of those things that falls under the category of what we call a diagnosis of exclusion.” In other words, it’s often the label given when providers can’t find another explanation for dizziness and associated migraine symptoms.

What Are Vestibular Migraines?

Vestibular migraines are a type of migraine that involve dizziness, spinning (vertigo), nausea, and balance problems in addition to or sometimes even without head pain. Symptoms can range from brief moments of unsteadiness to ongoing low-grade dizziness that interferes with daily life.

Patients may also notice that dizziness is triggered by movement, visual stimulation, or stress. Unfortunately, because traditional ear or brain scans may look clear, many people are left without answers until they’re given this diagnosis.

Why Dizziness Is So Complex

Dr. Taves explained that dizziness can come from three main systems working together:

Vestibular system (inner ear): Controls balance and spatial orientation.
Visual system (eyes): Provides input to help the brain stabilize and coordinate movement.
Proprioceptive system (neck): Tells the brain where your body is in space.

When these systems are not working well together—or one is overloaded—dizziness and migraine symptoms can appear. As Dr. Taves put it, “It does not mean that because it’s a pressure change issue that it is not a neck problem. It does not mean that this is not solvable.”

Why the Neck Is the Missing Link

One of the most overlooked contributors to vestibular migraines is the neck. Problems with posture, muscle tension, or restricted movement in the neck can disrupt communication between the body and the brain. This mismatch can create dizziness and trigger migraines.

Medication may help mask symptoms, but it often doesn’t address the underlying cause. At Novera, the focus is on restoring proper movement, reducing neck tension, and retraining the body’s systems to work together again.

Moving Toward Relief

Vestibular migraines can be overwhelming, but they are not a hopeless diagnosis. By looking beyond medication and exploring how the neck, posture, and movement contribute to your symptoms, it is possible to find long-term relief.

If dizziness and migraines have left you searching for answers, consider a fresh perspective. As Dr. Taves emphasizes, identifying the root cause—not just the symptoms—can help you take back control of your life.

👉 Ready to take the next step? Book your Free Discovery Visit with Novera: Headache Center today at www.noveraheadachecenter.com.