Medical treatment for vestibular migraine typically includes medications to control dizziness and prevent headaches. However, some people find relief with home remedies.

Vestibular migraine is a type of migraine that affects your nervous system.

If you have a history of migraine, you may be more susceptible to this type. The most common symptom is vertigo, a sensation of feeling off balance.

There’s scientific evidence that some of the home remedies for vestibular migraine may help ease the symptoms when used alongside medical treatment.

Many treatments at home are available, ranging from medications to avoiding triggers.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

Nonprescription drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, help relieve migraine pain. They reduce inflammation, alleviating migraine pain and pressure.

Antiemetics, or anti-nausea medications, can also be helpful. These OTC drugs, like meclizine, can help manage the nausea and dizziness that often accompany vestibular migraine. They work by blocking signals to the brain, reducing feelings of nausea and dizziness.

Prescription medications

There are two types of prescription medications for vestibular migraine: abortive and preventive.

Abortive medications stop the symptoms of a migraine when it occurs. These include sumatriptan for headaches and vertigo. Sumatriptan releases receptors that work on the trigeminal nerves, changing blood flow and reducing inflammation.

Preventive medications, such as propranolol, aim to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. They work by altering the levels of certain chemicals in your brain that help prevent migraine.

Another common drug for preventing vestibular migraine is amitriptyline. It works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that help reduce pain, preventing the onset of a migraine episode.

Identifying and avoiding your triggers

Triggers vary from person to person, but common ones include:

Consider keeping a symptom diary. Note details about each migraine episode, such as when it occurred, what you were doing before it started, what you ate and drank, and how much sleep you had. Over time, patterns may emerge that can help you pinpoint potential triggers.

Once you identify your triggers, you can take steps to avoid them. You may need to improve your sleep routine, manage stress through relaxation techniques, or make adjustments.

Supplements

Supplements may potentially play a supportive role in managing vestibular migraine. Supplements are not closely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and you should only take them after speaking with a doctor.

Studies show that riboflavin may help reduce migraine frequency. Scientists believe it can help improve energy production in brain cells and reduce oxidation, potentially mitigating migraine symptoms.

Magnesium, on the other hand, may help calm nerve impulses in the brain and maintain a stable blood vessel tone, which could help manage headaches.

Vestibular rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a form of physical therapy that can be highly effective for managing vestibular migraine attacks at home. This therapy focuses on improving balance, reducing dizziness symptoms, and enhancing the body’s ability to maintain stability.

VRT includes balance, coordination, and aerobic exercises. However, your outcome depends on factors like age, medication use, and the time of onset of vertigo.

Make sure to speak with a physical therapist, so they can guide you on the correct techniques and ensure the exercises are safe for your condition.

Vestibular migraine diet

Your diet can play a crucial role in managing vestibular migraine. Certain foods, such as wine, coffee, and monosodium glutamate (msg), have links to the onset and severity of migraine.

All forms of sugar, including honey, and processed carbohydrates, lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, potentially triggering a migraine. The same goes for simple carbohydrates, such as potatoes and rice. You may also consider avoiding cheese and citrus.

It’s a good idea to avoid inflammatory seed oils, such as soybean or canola oil. Seed oils are very high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can lead to inflammation and potentially exacerbate migraine symptoms.

On the other hand, consuming grass-fed meats and butter is better. These are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which provide anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike grains and carbohydrates, healthy fats provide long lasting energy without causing insulin spikes.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback therapy teaches you how to control physiological functions, such as heart rate and muscle tension, which may be able to help reduce your episodes.

Contact a doctor if you experience:

  • vertigo or dizziness that lasts from minutes to hours
  • unsteadiness
  • loss of balance
  • sensitivity to motion

If your symptoms are becoming more frequent or severe, it’s also recommended to speak with a doctor.

While home remedies can be beneficial, medical treatments are often necessary to manage vestibular migraine effectively. Options include:

  • abortive treatments
  • prophylactic (preemptive) medications
  • antiepileptic medications
  • propranolol

Here are some frequently asked questions about vestibular migraine treatments.

How do you get rid of vestibular migraine fast?

A combination of rest, hydration, anti-nausea medication, and avoiding triggers can help.

What is the best OTC medication for vestibular migraine?

Ibuprofen and naproxen can help manage migraine pain.

What should you not do with vestibular migraine?

Try to avoid common triggers like stress, irregular sleep or meal patterns, and dehydration.

Many home remedies for vestibular migraine are available. These include OTC and prescription medications, supplements, and identifying triggers.