Migrane caused by virtigo?

[wheredidkrisko]

I have a girlfriend who suffers from pretty severe migranes.  Most times from what I understand the pain is more localized toward the back of the neck around the head area, but the latest one was hit on the left side of the head.  Like most migranes it causes nausea, sensitivity to light, severe pain... ect.  She said that she sees white lights and everything.

What makes this different, is 5 years ago she got virtigo.  It lasted about 2 to 3 weeks.  Until then she'd lived her life migrane free.. and ever since, she gets these about once a month or so... no pattern to them, just sporatic.

Any idea on if there might be a connection between the migranes and the virtigo, and a possible way to stop them??

Oh yes... and very allergic to A.S.A, Ibuprofen, and Acetametophin

Thanks
-Chris.

[wheredidkrisko]

Hi Thomas.. thanks for the response

I think I understand the MAV concept, but her current migranes have nausea and dizzyness associated with them, but it's definately not virtigo.  She had a doctor diagnose what she had 5 years ago, and it's definately not the same.  She's also been to a neuologist, but all she's ever walked away with were prescriptions.. I figured I'd scour the web to try and find a more permanent answer.

You're right, it might be something completely unrelated.. I know she clenches her jaw a bit both conciously and unconciously, so there is some stress there.  But the migranes are pretty paralyzing, so my untrained mind would say that it's more a byproduct than a cause.

[tomsant]

Migraine headache is different from Vertigo. But there is a condition called 'migraine associated vertigo', in which an illusion of rotation (vertigo) is associated with migraine.

The cause is unknown, though it is believed the same mechanism of migraine may be at play. And not every doctor is convinced about MAV.

If it is migraine, you may have been prescribed the relevant medicines. Hope all causes of headache has been ruled out before diagnosing migraine. (There are look-alike situations)

But since her migraines started with a vertigo, one wonders what it could have been. It might have been two unrelated entities as well. You can discuss this with her neurologist or ENT at the next visit. It is difficult to comment without seeing her and the investigations.

Best,
Thomas Antony