Top Triggers of Vestibular Migraines

Top Triggers of vestibular migraines once known can be managed to improve the severity and duration of a migraine attack. Let me share my thoughts and experience with you. (Click here to know more about what is vestibular migraine)

Stress and anxiety

The pressure can make your migraine last for weeks and your condition could deteriorate rapidly.

Managing stress has to be a key priority if you are serious about managing and controlling your condition. Many techniques can be used but what I have found most effective is engaging in vigorous physical activity.

Meditation and yoga have been a secondary tool, also effective but at a lesser degree. Worth the try!

Poor sleep – mainly too little!

For me it is important both quantity and quality. I need 7.5 to 8 hours of good quality sleep to ensure I have my dizziness under control. Establish a night routine has been key to manage and accomplish this goal.

If you are thinking about the impact to your social activities, let me tell you, it’s huge! You will need to be very picky and choose only those activities that will bring you joy and avoid all others.

Hunger and dehydration

Missing meals or having them to late has increased the severity of my dizziness. Planning is important, ensure you carry snacks and a refillable bottle of water. Also I would recommend to be particularly keen of noticing your body cues. Try to stay aware of your need and ask yourself several times in the day if you are hungry or thirsty. Dismissing your cues will likely prompt a migraine attack.

Dietary triggers – especially caffeine!

This is hard one for me. I would recommend if you can eliminate caffeine all together. I was not successful, tried 3 times which is an excruciating experience and fail by falling back on the delicious caffeine wagon. My recommendation here if you really can’t get rid of caffeine is to try your best to eliminate most of all other dietary triggers to offset.

To help you evaluate here is a list of all other triggers to consider eliminating:

• Red wine
• Aged cheeses
• Chocolate
• Citrus fruits
• Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners
• Yeast
• Monosodium glutamate (a.k.a. MSG)

Hormonal changes – i.e. menstruation or menopause

Not much to say here other than being aware of your cycle. This area I would consider outside of our control as there’s little you can do. I will share in future posts some of the supplements I have tried to alleviate some symptoms but the relief was minimal.

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