What is Vestibular Migraine?
Vestibular migraine is one of the most common causes of recurrent dizziness and vertigo. It is a neurological condition in which migraine affects the brain's balance (vestibular) system, causing episodes of dizziness, vertigo or imbalance. Some people experience these symptoms alongside a headache, while others have little or no headache at all.
Episodes can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days and may be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, certain foods, dehydration or busy visual environments. Many people also experience sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, motion sensitivity and difficulty concentrating.
Because symptoms overlap with other vestibular disorders, vestibular migraine is often misdiagnosed. A specialist assessment can help identify the condition and guide appropriate treatment.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Although vestibular migraine is managed as part of a wider treatment plan, vestibular physiotherapy can play an important role in reducing dizziness, improving balance and helping you regain confidence in movement.
At Greenacre Physio, treatment may include:
- Comprehensive vestibular assessment
- Balance and gait retraining
- Vestibular rehabilitation exercises
- Gaze stabilisation exercises
- Habituation exercises to reduce motion sensitivity
- Education about vestibular migraine and symptom management
- Advice on pacing, activity modification and trigger management
- Return to work, driving and sport guidance
- Personalised home exercise programmes
Where appropriate, we work alongside your GP, neurologist or headache specialist to ensure your rehabilitation complements any medical treatment.
Why Choose Greenacre Physio?
Vestibular rehabilitation is one of Greenacre Physio's specialist areas. Our clinicians have extensive experience assessing and treating people with vestibular migraine through specialist NHS vestibular and neurological services, as well as private practice.
We understand that vestibular migraine can have a significant impact on work, exercise, social activities and overall quality of life. Through a detailed assessment and evidence-based rehabilitation programme, we aim to reduce your symptoms, improve your balance and help you return to everyday activities with confidence.
Appointments are available at our Essex and Cambridge clinics, as well as through home visits and virtual consultations.
What to Expect
During your first appointment, we will discuss your symptoms, migraine history, potential triggers and how dizziness affects your daily life. This will be followed by a comprehensive assessment of your balance, walking, eye movements and vestibular function.
Following your assessment, we will explain our findings and develop a personalised rehabilitation programme tailored to your symptoms and goals. Your exercises will be progressed gradually to improve your balance, reduce motion sensitivity and support your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can vestibular migraine occur without a headache?
Yes. Many people experience episodes of dizziness or vertigo without developing a significant headache. This is one reason why vestibular migraine is often difficult to recognise.
Can physiotherapy stop my migraines?
Physiotherapy does not treat the migraine itself, but it can significantly reduce dizziness, improve balance, reduce motion sensitivity and help you return to normal activities. Many people also benefit from medication and lifestyle changes recommended by their doctor.
How is vestibular migraine diagnosed?
Vestibular migraine is diagnosed based on your symptoms, migraine history and a detailed clinical assessment. There is no single blood test or scan that confirms the diagnosis, although investigations may be used to rule out other conditions.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can self-refer directly to Greenacre Physio. We also accept referrals from GPs, neurologists, ENT consultants and other healthcare professionals.
Book an Appointment
If you experience episodes of dizziness, vertigo or balance problems associated with migraine, we're here to help. Book an appointment at one of our Essex or Cambridge clinics, arrange a home visit, or schedule a virtual consultation with one of our experienced vestibular physiotherapists.
Common Vestibular Migraine Symptoms We Treat
- Recurrent dizziness
- Vertigo (spinning sensations)
- Motion sensitivity
- Balance problems
- Blurred vision with head movement
- Sensitivity to busy visual environments
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Nausea associated with dizziness
- Difficulty returning to work, driving or exercise
- Persistent imbalance between migraine episodes
Why Choose Greenacre Physio for Vestibular Migraine?
Vestibular migraine can be unpredictable and significantly affect your confidence and quality of life. At Greenacre Physio, we understand that successful management involves more than simply treating dizziness. We provide a comprehensive assessment to identify how vestibular migraine is affecting your balance, movement and daily activities, before developing a personalised rehabilitation programme tailored to your needs.
Our clinicians have specialist experience in NHS vestibular and neurological services, treating people with a wide range of vestibular disorders. Using evidence-based vestibular rehabilitation, we aim to reduce motion sensitivity, improve balance and help you return to work, exercise and the activities you enjoy, while working alongside your medical team where appropriate.