Do I have Vestibular Migraines?

Specific Illnesses & Conditions VM/MAV
1

Hi everyone, this is my first post on this forum, and I hope you can answer some of my questions.

I am 18 years old (male). Since I was 14 I have been going dizzy and feeling very ill for no reason. I can have an attack which lasts from days to 3 months! However in-between these attacks I am fine. I have seen numerous ENT specialists, Neurologists and had an MRI and Brain scan (in 2010). In the end the doctors wasn’t sure what I have. Some thought it was viral labrinthitus, however due to the fact I have had this for 4 years, I am not convinced.

When I go dizzy, I feel terrible, sick, and have to go to bed. I have missed so much school!

I am not sure why I go dizzy however. I have noticed certain factors which seem to make me go dizzy, these include: Stress, When I am tired, When I have a cold, when driving at night and going to the cinema (due to flashing lights).

I also suffer very badly from travel sickness. Both my parents get very bad migraines.

For these reasons I think I have Vestibular Migraines. I am just wondering if anyone can tell me is this seems like Vestibular Migraines.
Over the last 2 months, I have been to dizzy to drive and go out the house. I have been speaking to a neurologist via phone and he says he thinks I have VMigraines but as he has not seen me in person, he can’t be sure. He gave me Nortiptyline 10mg. I have been taking them for about 3 weeks now and haven’t seen any noticeable improvement. Some days are better than others however.

Can anyone tell me if my symptoms match V Migraines. Any medicines I should look out for to treat them, and just general advice for me

Thank you

2

anyone?

3

Hi Pearson, you certainly have all the symptoms of VM, along with a family history of migraine and like some of us (myself included) have been diagnosed as possibly having labs. So I’d say in answer to your question as to whether it seems like VM - an unequivocal ‘yes’. Labs doesn’t go on indefinitely, so again that’s a pointer it’s more likely to be a migraine thing you have going on, especially with all the other significant things you mention as I said above.

Have you tried the migraine diet and lifestyle advice? These would provide a good base to work with, alongside your meds. Also make sure to look at the section called Vestibular Migraine Survival Guide, 3rd one down at top of General Discussion page.

Brenda

4

Your symptoms certainly sound like VM, especially with your triggers, travel sickness, and family history of migraine. I agree with Brenda that trying the migraine diet and lifestyle changes might give you an idea of what’s going on. It could that be you’re eating something (MSG, caffeine, chocolate, etc.) that is keeping your system in a flare. Are you near a doctor who specializes in VM?

Best wishes for your health.