Peripheral vertigo associated with migraine

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A spinning sensation (vertigo) is a peripheral vertiginous symptom associated with migraines or intense headache (migraine symptoms). It is caused by blood vessel abnormalities associated with migraine symptoms. The most common symptom is the combination of headache and a spinning sensation, although it may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loss of balance and hearing impairment, etc., sometimes as part of the aura but often separately. The diagnosis is established based on the medical history and physical examination, including a neurological and ear examination. Antivertigo and antiemetic drugs are administered, and the migraine itself must be treated to ensure that the vertigo symptoms disappear completely (relative rest, suitable surroundings, sedatives, analgesics and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, triptans and/or ergotamine).
Bibliographic references
  1. Joseph M Furman. Pathophysiology, etiology, and differential diagnosis of vertigo. UpToDate. Jun 03, 2015
  2. Kim JS, Zee DS. Clinical practice. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. N Engl J Med 2014; 370:1138.
  3. Baloh RW. Clinical practice. Vestibular neuritis. N Engl J Med 2003; 348:1027.
  4. Hoffer ME, Gottshall KR, Moore R, et al. Characterizing and treating dizziness after mild head trauma. Otol Neurotol 2004; 25:135.
  5. Mark F. Walker, Robert B. Daroff. Mareo y vértigo.Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19º Edición. 148:151.
  6. Javier Chacón Martínez , Jorge Alberto Jiménez Antolín, José Antonio Garrido Robres. Mareos y vértigos en urgencias. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010. 545:552
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Spinning sensation


    Headache


    Spinning sensation worsens with movement


    Dizziness


    Involuntary, repeated eye movement

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
If the pain doesn't go away with either over-the-counter painkillers or those previously prescribed by your general practitioner
Double vision
Hearing loss
Vomiting

Self-care

Use good lighting at home.
Lie down in a dark, quiet room.
Sit down immediately when you feel dizzy.
Use antiemetics if vomiting occurs.
Use over-the-counter pain relievers and consult your primary care physician to discuss other treatments.