The Ultimate Guide for Vestibular Migraine Relief is here, you will find a list of all the products and tools I have tried or have seen recommended for vestibular migraine relief.
Over the Counter Pain Relievers
In my opinion is better to stay away from them but in case of an attack there’s no choice but having them handy. It is best to take the medication with food or after a meal to reduce the risk of stomach upset.
Ibuprofen: dosage recommended is 200-400mg every 4-6 hours as needed.
Naproxen: dosage recommended is 250-500mg every 8-12 hours as needed.
Aspirin: dosage recommended is 325-650mg every 4-6 hours as needed.
Topical pain relievers
- Capsaicin cream: Capsaicin is the compound that gives chili peppers their heat. When applied topically, it can help to reduce pain and inflammation by depleting substance P, a chemical that sends pain signals to the brain.
- Menthol cream: has a cooling effect when applied topically, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Smell can also be beneficial as aroma therapy.
- Topical NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) such as diclofenac, ibuprofen, and ketoprofen. These creams can help to reduce inflammation and pain. I used it on the neck for stiffness caused by migraines.
- Topical magnesium cream: Magnesium is a mineral that can help to reduce inflammation and improve overall brain function. When applied topically, it can help to reduce the severity and frequency of migraines.
Supplements
More in depth details and my experience will be found in future blogs, stay tuned!
- Magnesium: a mineral involved in several important bodily functions including muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control and blood pressure regulation.
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): a B vitamin that plays an important role in energy metabolism and is required for the functioning of several enzymes.
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): a nutrient that is required for energy production in cells.
- Butterbur: a herb that is proven to reduce inflammation and dilating blood vessels in the brain.
- Melatonin: a hormone that plays a role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin levels are often low in people who suffer from migraines. Which is one of the reasons migraineurs don’t have good quality sleep.
Acupressure wristbands
Used to pressure to stimulate the P6 acupressure point to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. There are different types on the market:
- Traditional acupressure wristbands: usually made with stretchy material, such as elastic or neoprene. They have small plastic or metal beads that press against the acupressure point.
- Magnetic acupressure wristbands: this ones have small magnets embedded in them that press against the acupressure point on the wrist.
- Acupuncture wristbands: this ones have small plastic or metal studs that press against the acupressure point on the wrist. Based on the traditional Chinese medicine to stimulate self healing.
- Electronic acupressure wristbands: this ones have small electronic devices that emit gentle pulses to stimulate the acupressure point on the wrist. They may have a variety of settings to adjust the strength and duration of the stimulation. I found them very relaxing too!
Heat and cold therapy
- Heat therapy: use a heating pad, a hot water bottle, or a microwaveable heat pack. The heat helps to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can help to reduce pain and muscle tension. It also relaxes the muscles and can reduce the inflammation.
- Cold therapy: use an ice pack to reduce inflammation and numb the neck and head to reduce pain. It help to constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to relief migraine pain
Light therapy glasses
The glasses work by emitting blue light to help to reduce pain and inflammation.
They work based on the idea that exposure to bright light can help to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm. This is the internal biological clock that regulates sleep, mood, and other functions. Disruptions in the circadian rhythm can trigger migraines. By exposing the eyes to bright light, the glasses may help to reset the body’s internal clock and reduce the frequency of migraines.
Relaxation tools
- Yoga and meditation: more in depth information on my next blog. Yoga and meditation is a great tool if not the best to help reduce stress and tension.
- Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR): it involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in the body. The goal is to help reduce muscle tension and relax the body, which can help to reduce stress and tension, and ultimately, reduce migraines. It involves tensing a specific muscle group for a short period of time (5-10 seconds). Then releasing the tension and focusing on the sensation of relaxation. Use comfortable clothes and to breathe deeply and slowly throughout the process.
- Music therapy: the use of music and musical activities to help improve physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning. I would suggest listening to calming music can help to slow down the heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, all of which can help to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with migraines.
Aromatherapy products
- Peppermint oil: has a cooling effect believed to help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow.
- Lavender oil: known for its calming and relaxing properties. Helps reduce stress, tension, and improve sleep quality.
- Eucalyptus oil: known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Also helps with respiratory issues and sinus congestion, which can cause pain during an attack.
- Rosemary oil: known for its stimulating and energizing properties. Also helps improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and relieve pain.
Essential oils can be used in several ways:
- Inhaling the oils directly from the bottle or from a diffuser
- Adding a few drops to a warm bath
- Mixing with a carrier oil and massaging it into the temples and back of the neck
- Adding a few drops to a pillowcase for inhalation during sleep
Herbal teas
- Feverfew: works by reducing inflammation and dilating blood vessels in the brain.
- Ginger: known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. And helps with nausea too.
- Peppermint: known for its calming and soothing properties, also improves digestion.
- Willow bark: a natural source of salicin, a chemical similar to aspirin, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Turmeric: known for its anti-inflammatory properties and to improve circulation.
- Chamomile: My favourite!!! known for its calming and relaxing properties. Has as well property to help with pain relief and improve sleep quality.
So here you have “The Ultimate Guide for Vestibular Migraine Relief”. For more on migraine tips take a look at the posts on my Blog.
[…] It’s important to note that while some studies have suggested the above supplements and techniques to help relieve migraines and dizziness, as any other suggestion you need to try for yourself and see what works for you. You can also take a look at a guide for other Migraine Relief options in this Blog. […]
[…] are always other options to try, be courageous keep trying to find what works for […]