Symptom 10. Dizziness and Vertigo: The Unsteady Sensations of Migraines
The world seems to be spinning, or maybe you feel like you’re on a boat in the middle of a rough sea. These sensations of dizziness and vertigo are not uncommon for those grappling with migraines. Vertigo, in particular, is not merely a feeling of dizziness, but an illusion of movement, either of the self or the surroundings.
Picture this: You’re standing still, but it feels like the ground beneath you is moving. Or perhaps it’s as if the room around you is spinning, even though you know it’s not. The world becomes an unsteady, unstable place, making it difficult to maintain your balance or carry out regular activities.
These sensations of vertigo can be alarming and disorienting. Tasks like walking, driving, or just moving around can become challenging, increasing the risk of falls and accidents. You may also experience a general feeling of unsteadiness and imbalance, even if you’re sitting or lying down.
The exact cause of dizziness and vertigo during a migraine is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to changes in the central nervous system’s processing of sensory information, particularly information related to balance and spatial orientation. These changes can result in the experience of dizziness and vertigo during a migraine attack.
The sensations of dizziness and vertigo associated with migraines provide further proof of the expansive impact these headaches can have on the body. It’s a potent reminder that migraines aren’t just about head pain; they can affect your perception of the world and your place in it. (10)
