Overcoming Vestibular Migraines and Anxiety

Overcoming Vestibular Migraines and Anxiety, migraines and anxiety can be a challenging combination for those who experience them. In my particular case I am not sure if the condition is the one that prompts my symptoms or the other way around. Identifying the trigger becomes a vital aspect.

The vestibular system

The vestibular system responsible for our sense of balance and spatial orientation, can become dysfunctional in those with vestibular migraines, leading to dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness. When combined with anxiety, these symptoms can be magnified and lead to further distress.

Anxiety can affect the vestibular system because of the close relationship between the central nervous system, the vestibular system, and the limbic system, which is responsible for regulating emotions, including anxiety. Stress and anxiety can increase the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can disrupt the normal functioning of the vestibular system. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, and a sense of unsteadiness. Additionally, anxiety can cause changes in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, all of which can have an impact on vestibular function.

Factors contributing to vestibular migraines and anxiety

There are many factors or triggers, below you will see the factors that increase my anxiety level:

• Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: RSD is when you experience severe emotional pain when feeling rejected. Read more here.
• Fear of falling: living with severe dizziness and unsteadiness.
• Difficulty with daily activities: dizziness makes challenging to perform everyday tasks such as walking, driving, or working.
• Social isolation: the feeling of isolation driven by shame, guilt of our symptoms and sometimes lack of understanding of others.
• Cognitive overload: and also Brain Fog can cause cognitive overload and fatigue.
• Uncertainty: The unpredictability of vestibular migraines can lead to anxiety about when symptoms will appear and how severe they will be.

Tips for overcoming vestibular migraines and anxiety

Try your best to identify your biggest trigger so you can apply the suggestion that have more positive impact:

• Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, yoga, and meditation.
• Exercise regularly:if symptoms are severe choose low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling.
• Seek support: Join a support group or talk to a therapist to help manage anxiety and feelings of isolation. Facebook groups could be an amazing resource for information, support and community.
• Create a routine: Develop a consistent routine to reduce uncertainty and provide a sense of control over symptoms.
• Avoid triggers: Identify triggers such as stress, caffeine, and alcohol, and try to avoid them as much as possible.

It will take hard work and discupline to learn a new routine to manage both dixzziness and anxiety. The good news is that the techniques are similar so you can focus on what works best for you and likely your symptoms will decrease overtime.