• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Balance & Dizziness Canada

Balance & Dizziness Canada

Supporting, inspiring and educating those affected by balance and dizziness disorders

Menu
  • Home
  • Join/Renew
  • Practitioners List
  • About
    • What We Do
    • History
    • Our Supporters
    • Testimonials
    • Our Team
    • Initiatives
    • Policies
    • Contact
    • Join
    • Donate
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Site Map
  • Donate
Balance & Dizziness Canada

Balance & Dizziness Canada

Supporting, inspiring and educating those affected by balance and dizziness disorders

Home   Join/Renew   Practitioners List   About   Contact   Blog   Site Map   Donate

NAVIGATION
  • Balance System
  • Symptoms
  • Disorders
    • Close
    • Vestibular Disorders
      • Close
        • Acoustic Neuroma
        • Age-related Dizziness and Imbalance
        • Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (AIED)
        • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
        • Bilateral Vestibulopathy
        • CANVAS Syndrome
        • Cervicogenic Dizziness
        • Childhood Dizziness and Imbalance
        • Cholesteatoma
        • Dizziness Imbalance after mTBI
        • Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct
        • Labyrinthine Infarction
        • Labyrinthitis
        • Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS)
        • Ménière’s Disease
        • Motion and Cyber Sickness
        • Otosclerosis
        • Perilymph Fistula
        • Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
        • Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
        • Secondary Endolymphatic Hydrops
        • Semicircular Canal Dehiscence
        • Vestibular Migraine
        • Vestibular Neuritis
        • Vestibular Paroxysmia
        • Vestibular Toxicity
        • Visually Induced Dizziness
      • Close
    • Multifactorial Causes
    • Other Causes
    • Imbalance without Dizziness
    • Statistics
    • Close
  • Diagnosis & Treatment
    • Close
      • Patient Journey
      • Working with Professionals
      • Primary Care Physicians
      • Other Health Professionals
      • Where to Get Tested
      • Diagnostic Tests
      • Vestibular Rehabilitation
      • Vestibular Rehab Video $10
      • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
      • Medication
      • Surgical Treatments
      • Alternative Treatments
      • Future Treatments
    • Close
  • Help Yourself
    • Close
      • Build Your Wellness Toolkit
      • Help Others Understand
      • Keep a Health Diary
      • Time Management
      • Relaxation Techniques
      • Physical Activity
      • Vestibular Rehab Video $10
      • Anxiety and Depression
      • Eat Well
      • Vision Challenges
      • Prevent Falls
      • Overcome Fear of Falling
      • At Home, Work & School
      • Out & About
      • Emergency Plans
      • Move From Survive to Thrive
    • Close
  • Stories
    • Close
    • Our Stories
    • Share Your Story
    • Books to Inspire
    • Famous Dizzy People
    • Close
  • Support
    • Close
    • Ask Us
    • FAQ
      • Close
      • Ask an Expert Form
      • Close
    • Patient Handouts
    • Our Videos
    • Blog Posts
    • Suggested Books
    • For Family and Friends
    • Community Resources
    • Legal Resources
    • Close
You are here: Home / Support / FAQ

FAQ

Browse a selection of our most frequently asked questions and answers about balance and dizziness disorders. Submit your own question here.



Advocate for Yourself

b
Which professional should I see about migraine-associated vertigo or vestibular migraine?
Not all specialists have a particular interest or specialization in vestibular migraine. Ask your referring doctor to match you to one who does. For example, some neuro-otologists, neurologists and neuro-ophthalmologists are comfortable diagnosing and managing headache disorders, including vestibular migraine. This is less common, however, for generalist otologists (ear, nose and throat doctors). Some physiotherapists may be knowledgeable about headaches. Many, however, are more interested in balance and muscle- and joint-related issues. Read more about vestibular migraine.
Categories: Advocate for Yourself, Migrainous Vertigo, Navigating the Healthcare System, Vestibular Migraine
Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
Back to Top

Ménière's Disease

b
My vestibular neuritis symptoms of imbalance and nausea get worse with weather changes. Is this due to atmospheric pressure changes?

The relationship between changes in barometric pressure and dizziness has been described in medical literature, particularly in patients suffering from migraine related vertigo and Ménière’s disease. Both of these vestibular disorders are characterized by an episodic nature. This means that the symptoms come and go, in spells.

For some people, these episodes can be triggered by changes in atmospheric pressure, such as weather changes before a storm or travelling from sea level to higher altitude. Read our post on Facebook about this topic.

You mention the recurrent nature of your dizziness – vestibular neuritis is not classically recurrent like you describe. It is usually caused by a single viral or bacterial attack on the vestibular nerve. Symptoms typically start quite suddenly and may include severe vertigo and vomiting lasting for several hours. This is due to a loss in function of the vestibular nerve that can be temporary or permanent. During the recovery stage, which can last for several weeks, symptoms gradually improve and plateau.

We recommend speaking to your family doctor and/or your ENT doctor (otolaryngologist) about the episodic/recurrent nature of your dizziness and vasovagal spells. Further investigation may be warranted into their cause.

Categories: Ménière's Disease, Migrainous Vertigo, Vestibular Neuritis
Tags: Altitude, Barometric Pressure, Episodic, Migraine, Recurrent, Vasovagal, Virus, Weather
Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
Back to Top
b
Why can vestibular disorders be so hard to diagnose and treat?

Complex vestibular disorders are challenging to treat. For example, it can be very difficult to tease out the symptoms that distinguish Ménière’s disease or migrainous vertigo; they have very similar symptoms, but are treated very differently.

More complex cases are very individual and cannot always be pigeon-holed as Ménière’s or migrainous vertigo or some other particular disorder link i en blogg. Patients may have some but not all of the characteristics of Ménière’s disease, for example, and that is frustrating for doctors.

Categories: Ménière's Disease, Migrainous Vertigo, Vestibular Migraine, Vestibular Testing
Tags: Complex, Meniere's Disease, Symptoms, Vestibular Migraine
Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
Back to Top

Migrainous Vertigo

b
Does vestibular rehabilitation help with vestibular migraine?

If there are signs of vestibular dysfunction, vestibular rehabilitation may help because the migraine has affected the functioning of the vestibular system. However, if there is more permanent damage or it is a chronic long-term condition that happens over years and years, vestibular rehabilitation might get people used to (habituated) to some of the symptoms. Vestibular therapists can also educate people on how to avoid possible triggers that could worsen their migraines. For example, avoiding processed foods, stress or certain modifiable factors.

Categories: Migrainous Vertigo, Vestibular Migraine, Vestibular Rehabilitation
Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
Back to Top
b
How does one deal with migraines plus motion sickness?

Motion sickness and an overall reduced tolerance to movement is often reported in patients who suffer from migraine. The recommendation is to treat the migraine first. When migrainous episodes are under control, patients benefit greatly from vestibular rehabilitation aimed at increasing motion tolerance. Identifying and avoiding triggers is one way to keep migraines under control as well reduce the number of episodes. Triggers include stress, foods (e.g., cheese), alcohol (e.g., red wine), smells. Preventative medications can also be used to avoid migraine episodes from happening.

Categories: Migrainous Vertigo, Vestibular Rehabilitation
Tags: Migraines, Motion Sickness
Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
Back to Top
b
My vestibular neuritis symptoms of imbalance and nausea get worse with weather changes. Is this due to atmospheric pressure changes?

The relationship between changes in barometric pressure and dizziness has been described in medical literature, particularly in patients suffering from migraine related vertigo and Ménière’s disease. Both of these vestibular disorders are characterized by an episodic nature. This means that the symptoms come and go, in spells.

For some people, these episodes can be triggered by changes in atmospheric pressure, such as weather changes before a storm or travelling from sea level to higher altitude. Read our post on Facebook about this topic.

You mention the recurrent nature of your dizziness – vestibular neuritis is not classically recurrent like you describe. It is usually caused by a single viral or bacterial attack on the vestibular nerve. Symptoms typically start quite suddenly and may include severe vertigo and vomiting lasting for several hours. This is due to a loss in function of the vestibular nerve that can be temporary or permanent. During the recovery stage, which can last for several weeks, symptoms gradually improve and plateau.

We recommend speaking to your family doctor and/or your ENT doctor (otolaryngologist) about the episodic/recurrent nature of your dizziness and vasovagal spells. Further investigation may be warranted into their cause.

Categories: Ménière's Disease, Migrainous Vertigo, Vestibular Neuritis
Tags: Altitude, Barometric Pressure, Episodic, Migraine, Recurrent, Vasovagal, Virus, Weather
Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
Back to Top
b
Which professional should I see about migraine-associated vertigo or vestibular migraine?

Not all specialists have a particular interest or specialization in vestibular migraine. Ask your referring doctor to match you to one who does. For example, some neuro-otologists, neurologists and neuro-ophthalmologists are comfortable diagnosing and managing headache disorders, including vestibular migraine. This is less common, however, for generalist otologists (ear, nose and throat doctors). Some physiotherapists may be knowledgeable about headaches. Many, however, are more interested in balance and muscle- and joint-related issues. Read more about vestibular migraine.

Categories: Advocate for Yourself, Migrainous Vertigo, Navigating the Healthcare System, Vestibular Migraine
Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
Back to Top
b
Why can vestibular disorders be so hard to diagnose and treat?

Complex vestibular disorders are challenging to treat. For example, it can be very difficult to tease out the symptoms that distinguish Ménière’s disease or migrainous vertigo; they have very similar symptoms, but are treated very differently.

More complex cases are very individual and cannot always be pigeon-holed as Ménière’s or migrainous vertigo or some other particular disorder link i en blogg. Patients may have some but not all of the characteristics of Ménière’s disease, for example, and that is frustrating for doctors.

Categories: Ménière's Disease, Migrainous Vertigo, Vestibular Migraine, Vestibular Testing
Tags: Complex, Meniere's Disease, Symptoms, Vestibular Migraine
Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
Back to Top

Navigating the Healthcare System

b
Which professional should I see about migraine-associated vertigo or vestibular migraine?

Not all specialists have a particular interest or specialization in vestibular migraine. Ask your referring doctor to match you to one who does. For example, some neuro-otologists, neurologists and neuro-ophthalmologists are comfortable diagnosing and managing headache disorders, including vestibular migraine. This is less common, however, for generalist otologists (ear, nose and throat doctors). Some physiotherapists may be knowledgeable about headaches. Many, however, are more interested in balance and muscle- and joint-related issues. Read more about vestibular migraine.

Categories: Advocate for Yourself, Migrainous Vertigo, Navigating the Healthcare System, Vestibular Migraine
Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
Back to Top

Vestibular Migraine

b
Does vestibular rehabilitation help with vestibular migraine?

If there are signs of vestibular dysfunction, vestibular rehabilitation may help because the migraine has affected the functioning of the vestibular system. However, if there is more permanent damage or it is a chronic long-term condition that happens over years and years, vestibular rehabilitation might get people used to (habituated) to some of the symptoms. Vestibular therapists can also educate people on how to avoid possible triggers that could worsen their migraines. For example, avoiding processed foods, stress or certain modifiable factors.

Categories: Migrainous Vertigo, Vestibular Migraine, Vestibular Rehabilitation
Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
Back to Top
b
Which professional should I see about migraine-associated vertigo or vestibular migraine?

Not all specialists have a particular interest or specialization in vestibular migraine. Ask your referring doctor to match you to one who does. For example, some neuro-otologists, neurologists and neuro-ophthalmologists are comfortable diagnosing and managing headache disorders, including vestibular migraine. This is less common, however, for generalist otologists (ear, nose and throat doctors). Some physiotherapists may be knowledgeable about headaches. Many, however, are more interested in balance and muscle- and joint-related issues. Read more about vestibular migraine.

Categories: Advocate for Yourself, Migrainous Vertigo, Navigating the Healthcare System, Vestibular Migraine
Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
Back to Top
b
Why can vestibular disorders be so hard to diagnose and treat?

Complex vestibular disorders are challenging to treat. For example, it can be very difficult to tease out the symptoms that distinguish Ménière’s disease or migrainous vertigo; they have very similar symptoms, but are treated very differently.

More complex cases are very individual and cannot always be pigeon-holed as Ménière’s or migrainous vertigo or some other particular disorder link i en blogg. Patients may have some but not all of the characteristics of Ménière’s disease, for example, and that is frustrating for doctors.

Categories: Ménière's Disease, Migrainous Vertigo, Vestibular Migraine, Vestibular Testing
Tags: Complex, Meniere's Disease, Symptoms, Vestibular Migraine
Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
Back to Top

Vestibular Neuritis

b
My vestibular neuritis symptoms of imbalance and nausea get worse with weather changes. Is this due to atmospheric pressure changes?

The relationship between changes in barometric pressure and dizziness has been described in medical literature, particularly in patients suffering from migraine related vertigo and Ménière’s disease. Both of these vestibular disorders are characterized by an episodic nature. This means that the symptoms come and go, in spells.

For some people, these episodes can be triggered by changes in atmospheric pressure, such as weather changes before a storm or travelling from sea level to higher altitude. Read our post on Facebook about this topic.

You mention the recurrent nature of your dizziness – vestibular neuritis is not classically recurrent like you describe. It is usually caused by a single viral or bacterial attack on the vestibular nerve. Symptoms typically start quite suddenly and may include severe vertigo and vomiting lasting for several hours. This is due to a loss in function of the vestibular nerve that can be temporary or permanent. During the recovery stage, which can last for several weeks, symptoms gradually improve and plateau.

We recommend speaking to your family doctor and/or your ENT doctor (otolaryngologist) about the episodic/recurrent nature of your dizziness and vasovagal spells. Further investigation may be warranted into their cause.

Categories: Ménière's Disease, Migrainous Vertigo, Vestibular Neuritis
Tags: Altitude, Barometric Pressure, Episodic, Migraine, Recurrent, Vasovagal, Virus, Weather
Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
Back to Top

Vestibular Rehabilitation

b
Does vestibular rehabilitation help with vestibular migraine?

If there are signs of vestibular dysfunction, vestibular rehabilitation may help because the migraine has affected the functioning of the vestibular system. However, if there is more permanent damage or it is a chronic long-term condition that happens over years and years, vestibular rehabilitation might get people used to (habituated) to some of the symptoms. Vestibular therapists can also educate people on how to avoid possible triggers that could worsen their migraines. For example, avoiding processed foods, stress or certain modifiable factors.

Categories: Migrainous Vertigo, Vestibular Migraine, Vestibular Rehabilitation
Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
Back to Top
b
How does one deal with migraines plus motion sickness?

Motion sickness and an overall reduced tolerance to movement is often reported in patients who suffer from migraine. The recommendation is to treat the migraine first. When migrainous episodes are under control, patients benefit greatly from vestibular rehabilitation aimed at increasing motion tolerance. Identifying and avoiding triggers is one way to keep migraines under control as well reduce the number of episodes. Triggers include stress, foods (e.g., cheese), alcohol (e.g., red wine), smells. Preventative medications can also be used to avoid migraine episodes from happening.

Categories: Migrainous Vertigo, Vestibular Rehabilitation
Tags: Migraines, Motion Sickness
Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
Back to Top

Vestibular Testing

b
Why can vestibular disorders be so hard to diagnose and treat?

Complex vestibular disorders are challenging to treat. For example, it can be very difficult to tease out the symptoms that distinguish Ménière’s disease or migrainous vertigo; they have very similar symptoms, but are treated very differently.

More complex cases are very individual and cannot always be pigeon-holed as Ménière’s or migrainous vertigo or some other particular disorder link i en blogg. Patients may have some but not all of the characteristics of Ménière’s disease, for example, and that is frustrating for doctors.

Categories: Ménière's Disease, Migrainous Vertigo, Vestibular Migraine, Vestibular Testing
Tags: Complex, Meniere's Disease, Symptoms, Vestibular Migraine
Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
Back to Top

Primary Sidebar

Become a Member
Donate Today
Practitioners List

Recent Blog Posts

  • New! Vestibular Neuritis Animation
  • FUNDRAISER: Unicycling for Balance & Dizziness Canada
  • New! Vestibular Migraine Animation
  • Helping Others Understand Your Dizziness and Imbalance
  • New! PPPD Animation

Help us to help you!

  • Become a Regular Member
  • Become a Professional Member
  • Please Donate Today!

Health Professional Directory

Please spread the word about our new Health Professionals Directory! Become a Professional Member.
Find a Health Practitioner

Upcoming Events!

Recent Blog Posts

  • New! Vestibular Neuritis Animation
  • FUNDRAISER: Unicycling for Balance & Dizziness Canada
  • New! Vestibular Migraine Animation
  • Helping Others Understand Your Dizziness and Imbalance
  • New! PPPD Animation

Blog Posts by Category

Blog Posts by Month

Menu
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Share Your Story
  • About
  • Contact
  • Who Can Treat You
  • Wellness Toolkit
  • Join or Renew
  • Donate
  • Buy Rehab Video (MP4) – only $10
  • Site Map
Return to Top of Page

Contact Information

Balance & Dizziness Canada
325-5525 West Boulevard
Vancouver, BC V6M 3W6
Voice Mail
BC Lower Mainland: 604-878-8383
Toll Free: 1-866-780-2233 (Canada only)
Email: info@balanceanddizziness.org
Become a Member
Donate Today
Practitioners List

© 2023 Canadian Balance and Dizziness Disorders Society • Charitable Reg. #883457327RR0001 • Credits & Disclaimers • Privacy Policy

Scroll Up