What Are Vertigo & Headaches?

Vertigo and headaches are two common conditions that can have a major impact on your daily life. While they are distinct, they often occur together, creating a complex set of symptoms that can be difficult to manage.

• Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often accompanied by balance issues, nausea, and a feeling that the room is moving around you. It is commonly linked to problems in the inner ear or brain.
  
  
• Headaches are pain or discomfort in the head or upper neck area, with many potential causes ranging from tension headaches to migraines, sinus headaches, or  secondary headaches related to underlying conditions.

Symptoms of Vertigo and Headaches

Understanding the symptoms is the first step in seeking the right treatment. Common signs include:

Vertigo Symptoms:

•            Spinning sensation
  
  
•            Nausea or vomiting
  
  
•            Loss of balance
  
  
•            A feeling of floating or tilting
  
  
•            Difficulty concentrating
  
  
•            Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Headache Symptoms:

•            Throbbing or sharp pain, often on one side of the head
  
  
•            Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
  
  
•            Visual disturbances (e.g., aura)
  
  
•            Tension or pressure in the head or neck region

Potential Causes

Vertigo and headaches have a wide range of causes. In some cases one condition can trigger the other. Common causes include:

• Vestibular Issues: Conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, or vestibular migraines can cause vertigo.
  
  
• Inner Ear Infections: Infections or inflammation in the inner ear can cause both vertigo and headaches.
  
  
• Migraines: Migraines can cause both headache and vertigo-like symptoms, especially during severe episodes.
  
  
• Cervicogenic Headaches: These are headaches originating from issues in the neck, which can cause dizziness or vertigo-like sensations.
  
  
• Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, or vestibular neuritis may also be contributing factors.

Treatments

If you are experiencing vertigo and headaches together, it’s essential to seek professional evaluation. Once diagnosed, you can seek the appropriate treatment. Treatment options may include:

·      Vestibular Therapy: Specialized exercises and maneuvers designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness.

• Medications: To alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, or control symptoms of vertigo.
  
  
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Identifying triggers, reducing stress, improving sleep, and dietary changes can help prevent both headaches and vertigo episodes.
  
  
• Physical Therapy: Targeting posture and neck alignment issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.
  
  
• Migraine Management: Comprehensive treatment plans for those with chronic migraines that include both preventive and acute care.

Book an Appointment

If you're suffering from vertigo or headaches—or both—our experienced team is here to help. Schedule a consultation today to start your path to relief.