Vestibular Migraine: Symptoms, Treatment, and Medication Use - Neurology

More Info

---

Vestibular migraine, also known as migraine-associated vertigo, is a condition characterized by episodes of vertigo or dizziness that are associated with migraine headaches. The symptoms can vary widely among individuals but typically include recurrent episodes of vertigo, imbalance, and sometimes accompanying migraine symptoms such as headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound.

Symptoms of Vestibular Migraine
The symptoms of vestibular migraine can include:
1. Vertigo: A sensation of spinning or movement, which can last from a few minutes to several hours.

2. Dizziness: A feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness.

3. Headaches: These may or may not accompany the episodes of dizziness.

4. Nausea: Often associated with the dizziness or vertigo.

5. Sensitivity to Motion: Increased sensitivity to movement, which can exacerbate symptoms.

6. Visual Disturbances: Such as aura, which can occur before or during a migraine attack.


Treatment Options
Treatment for vestibular migraine typically involves both acute and preventive strategies.
1. Acute Treatment: This includes medications taken during an episode to relieve symptoms. Commonly used medications include:
- Triptans: Such as sumatriptan, which are often used for migraine relief.

- Anti-nausea medications: Such as metoclopramide or prochlorperazine.

- Vestibular suppressants: Such as meclizine or diazepam.

2. Preventive Treatment: This is aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of episodes. Medications that may be used include:
- Calcium channel blockers: Such as flunarizine, which is what you mentioned you were prescribed. Flunarizine is effective in preventing migraine attacks and is often used for vestibular migraine.

- Beta-blockers: Such as propranolol.

- Antidepressants: Such as amitriptyline.

- Antiepileptic drugs: Such as topiramate.


Flunarizine and Its Use
Flunarizine is indeed classified as a calcium channel blocker and is used as a preventive medication for migraines, including vestibular migraines. It helps by stabilizing the neuronal excitability and reducing the frequency of migraine attacks.
Regarding your question about whether you can take flunarizine again after not finishing the previous prescription: it is generally safe to resume taking flunarizine if you have been advised to do so by your healthcare provider. However, it is important to consult with your physician before restarting any medication, especially if you have experienced a recurrence of symptoms.
Flunarizine is not typically used as an acute treatment for migraine attacks; it is more effective when taken regularly as a preventive measure. If you experience an acute episode, it may be more beneficial to use medications specifically designed for acute relief, such as triptans or anti-nausea medications.


Conclusion
In summary, vestibular migraine can be a challenging condition to manage due to the unpredictable nature of its symptoms. Flunarizine is a preventive medication that can help reduce the frequency of episodes, but it is not intended for immediate relief during an acute episode. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to determine the best course of action based on your specific symptoms and medical history.