Vertigo and Migraine: Why the World Spins and How to Find Your Balance Again

That moment when the world tilts, spins, or sways — even though you’re perfectly still — can feel terrifying. Vertigo doesn’t just make you dizzy; it shakes your sense of safety and control. But what if these sensations weren’t random at all? What if they were your brain’s way of asking for balance?

In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme unpacks the intricate link between vertigo and migraine — and reveals what your body is trying to communicate when the ground feels unsteady. Blending modern neuroscience with the grounding principles of Eastern medicine, you’ll learn how to find stillness inside the spin.

You’ll discover:

💫 Why vertigo often appears before, during, or after a migraine attack — and what it’s really trying to tell you

💫 The science behind that spinning, falling, or floating feeling — and how your brain and inner ear lose sync

💫 How ancient Eastern wisdom restores grounding and flow to bring your world back into balance

This episode isn’t about fear; it’s about understanding. When you learn to listen to what vertigo is trying to say, you don’t just stop spinning — you start healing.

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References:

• Vestibular Migraine: An Update: A 2024 review in Current Opinion in Neurology summarized the latest research on vestibular migraine, including mechanisms of sensory integration, triggers, and treatment progress using both pharmacologic and behavioral therapies. Read the full review here.
• Vestibular Migraine Cohort Study: A 2021 study in The Journal of Headache and Pain followed a large cohort of migraine patients and found that vestibular symptoms—such as spinning sensations and imbalance—often precede headache onset, reshaping diagnostic timelines. Explore the study here.
• Altered Blood Flow in Migraine-Related Vertigo: A 2019 article in Cephalalgia revealed that patients with migraine-associated vertigo experience altered blood flow in the cerebellum and brainstem, offering new clues into how circulation changes may trigger dizziness. Learn more here.
• Can Migraines Cause Vertigo? A 2020 Northwestern Medicine feature explained how migraine can disturb the vestibular system—responsible for balance—resulting in vertigo, nausea, and spatial disorientation even in the absence of headache pain. Read more here.
• Effects of Vestibular Rehabilitation for Migraine-Associated Vertigo: A 2021 study from the National Library of Medicine showed that vestibular rehabilitation therapy can reduce dizziness, improve gait stability, and enhance quality of life for migraine patients. Review the findings here.
• Neuroplastic Effects of Vestibular Rehabilitation: A 2020 paper in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience demonstrated that vestibular therapy not only retrains balance but also promotes neuroplastic changes in the brain’s sensory and motion pathways. Read the full article here.
• The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: In The Foundations of Chinese Medicine (2015), Giovanni Maciocia describes dizziness as “Liver Wind” rising from inner imbalance, and teaches that restoring harmony through grounding and nourishing Qi helps steady the mind and body. Discover more about the book.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.

For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.

We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.