Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Central Vestibular Disorders
Number of Conditions: 2
Vestibular Migraine
Specialty: Ear
Category: Balance and Vestibular Disorders
Sub-category: Central Vestibular Disorders
Symptoms:
dizziness; vertigo; imbalance; motion sensitivity; nausea; light/sound sensitivity; headaches associated with episodes
Root Cause:
A neurological condition involving abnormal sensory signal processing in the brain, potentially linked to migraine pathophysiology.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical criteria, patient history, and exclusion of other conditions; imaging (e.g., MRI) may be used to rule out structural causes.
Treatment:
Lifestyle changes, avoidance of triggers, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, and pharmacological management of migraine.
Medications:
Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol ), calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil ), anticonvulsants (e.g., topiramate ), or triptans for acute attacks. Medications belong to prophylactic migraine treatments, acute migraine treatments, and vestibular suppressants.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to affect approximately 1% of the population; more common in women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Personal or family history of migraines, stress, hormonal changes, and certain foods or sensory triggers.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally manageable with treatment, though some individuals may experience recurrent or chronic symptoms.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Impaired quality of life, risk of falls due to imbalance, anxiety, and depression.
Brainstem or Cerebellar Lesions (e.g., Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis)
Specialty: Ear
Category: Balance and Vestibular Disorders
Sub-category: Central Vestibular Disorders
Symptoms:
dizziness; vertigo; ataxia (lack of coordination); imbalance; visual disturbances; nausea; difficulty speaking; facial numbness or weakness
Root Cause:
Damage to the brainstem or cerebellum due to ischemia (stroke), demyelination (multiple sclerosis), or other neurological conditions.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, imaging studies (MRI/CT scans), and neurological exams; additional tests like lumbar puncture for MS.
Treatment:
Depends on the cause
Medications:
For strokes
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Stroke prevalence varies widely, with millions affected annually worldwide; MS affects approximately 2.8 million globally.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
For strokes
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Stroke prognosis varies based on severity and timing of intervention; MS is chronic and progressive but can be managed with treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Long-term disability, chronic dizziness, visual disturbances, cognitive deficits, and emotional challenges like depression.