Peripheral vertigo associated with migraine

Low urgency
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Unreal sensation of spinning of our own body or of the objects around us, in the context of an intense headache (migraine). 

The cause is an alteration in the calibre of the blood vessels that accompanies migraine attacks, which temporarily reduces cerebral irrigation. 

The most frequent manifestation is the association of headache and rotatory sensation; it may be accompanied by nausea, vomit, loss of balance and hearing impairment.

Diagnosis is based on the patient's clinical history and a physical examination, including neurological exploration and an ear examination.

Anti-vertiginous and anti-emetic drugs will be administered to control the symptoms. The latter will disappear completely when the migraine symptoms are treated: relative rest, quiet environment, 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 38 ºC)
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 in the home.
Lay in a dark and quiet room.
Sit down immediately whenever you feel dizzy.
Consume antiemetics if vomits are present.
Take over-the-counter analgesics and check with your general practitioner to discuss other treatments.