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Q: Hi, Can ear pressure and extreme vertigo precede a migraine attack and if so, why?
Hi Shelly,
Sure it can. These can be part of the prodrome phase of a Migraine attack. But since these are new and different symptoms from your "typical" Migraine attacks this question needs to be discussed with your doctor. Any time we have a change in our Migraine pattern that is new and/or different, it is time to report it to the doctor.
When you have a minute, take a look at Anatomy of a Migraine. It explain the four phases of a Migraine attack and what symptoms may go with each phase.
Good luck
Nancy
Shelly,
-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-•*Welcome to MyMigraineConnection!*•-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-
Nancy gave you good information. I just wanted to add that one of the most important things is to get an accurate diagnosis. To simplify matters and make it easier for people to get information and treatment, doctors usually go by the gold standard for diagnosis, the International Headache Society's International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd Edition (ICHD-II). Under ICHD-II, there is no diagnosis of "vestibular Migraine." You can read more about the importance of a correct diagnosis in The Type of Migraine Does Matter.
Keep working with your doctor. You don't have to "just put up with" Migraines. If your doctor isn't able to help you, it may well be time to consult a Migraine and headache specialist. It's important to note that neurologists aren't necessarily Migraine and headache specialists. Take a look at the article Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? If you need help finding a Migraine specialist, check our listing of Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists.
Welcome again,
Teri
Thank you.
I went through at least 6 doctors before I went to see a specialist in Boston. He is a neurotologist and was very confident of my diagnosis.
I've found information online about vestibular migraine. And he said the reason that I have the constant imbalance, motion sickness, disequalibrium, and very degrees of vertigo is that I have "Migraine Variant Vertigo", which a lot of doctors are not familiar with. I've found a lot of information on it, and know others with the condition. It needs the cycle to be broken with medication though, from what I know. I've been this way every day for seven years and it's only getting worse.
The doctor I mentioned to already is a migraine specialist. Because of my other health conditions (heart, lungs etc.) there is not many medications that I can use. I have a LOT of drug allergies too. So right now I'm trying to go to a new migraine specialist and see if over the past few years there might be a new medication I can try that maybe wasn't there before.
I appreicate the links also. I'm going to see if there is another specialist in my state that I haven't tried yet. Thanks!
You're very welcome, Shelly. Please let me know if I can help, and keep me posted on how you're doing?
Teri
Thank you. I absolutely will. I'm glad I found this place.
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Thank you. After seven years of this, it makes sense to know the how's and why's of what is going on. I read that information and that is my attacks to a T. Thanks so much!
I have another doctor's appointment next week, because I was concerned at how fast these are becoming worse. I've been debilitated for years from it and thought it couldn't get worse, but it is.