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Chiropractic Care for Vestibular Migraine in Singapore
Vestibular migraines can affect balance, spatial awareness, and daily functioning, often causing symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, motion sensitivity, and head pressure. At Vitality Chiropractic Centres, our approach to vestibular migraine care focuses on identifying potential spinal and neurological factors that may influence these symptoms. By assessing the cervical spine, posture, and nerve function, chiropractic care aims to support better communication between the brain, inner ear, and nervous system, which play key roles in balance and stability.
What are Vestibular Migraines?
Vestibular Migraine is a neurological condition that refers to the repetitive episodes of vertigo in people who have a history of migraine. The word vestibular relates to our inner ear and the system responsible for balance. And, vertigo describes the sensation of moving, spinning, or falling when you are still.
Stats indicate that almost 40% of people with migraine suffer from vestibular symptoms. It’s important to remember that vestibular migraine can occur with or without a headache. People with this condition might also experience Alice in Wonderland Syndrome where the objects might appear bigger or smaller than they usually are.
Studies show that vestibular migraine is the most common cause of vertigo. It’s prevalent in 1% of the general population. Its symptoms usually appear for a few minutes or several hours, and often for days. Other names of the condition include migraine-related vestibulopathy and migraine-associated vertigo.
Vestibular Migraine Symptoms
Vestibular migraines may present differently from typical migraine headaches. Many individuals experience disturbances in balance, spatial awareness, and sensory processing rather than intense head pain alone.
Vertigo or Dizziness
A spinning or swaying sensation is one of the most common symptoms. Episodes may last from minutes to hours and can occur even when a person is sitting or lying still.
Visual Disturbances
Some individuals experience temporary visual changes such as flashing lights, blurred vision, or zigzag patterns. These visual symptoms may occur before or during a vestibular migraine episode.
Motion Sensitivity
People with vestibular migraines may become unusually sensitive to movement. Activities such as riding in a car, walking through crowded areas, or scrolling on screens may trigger dizziness or discomfort.
Balance Difficulties
Vestibular migraines can affect the body’s ability to maintain stable balance. Individuals may feel unsteady when standing or walking, and some may experience a sensation of tilting or drifting.
Vestibular Migraine Symptoms
Vestibular migraines may present differently from typical migraine headaches. Many individuals experience disturbances in balance, spatial awareness, and sensory processing rather than intense head pain alone.
Vertigo or Dizziness
A spinning or swaying sensation is one of the most common symptoms. Episodes may last from minutes to hours and can occur even when a person is sitting or lying still.
Visual Disturbances
Some individuals experience temporary visual changes such as flashing lights, blurred vision, or zigzag patterns. These visual symptoms may occur before or during a vestibular migraine episode.
Motion Sensitivity
People with vestibular migraines may become unusually sensitive to movement. Activities such as riding in a car, walking through crowded areas, or scrolling on screens may trigger dizziness or discomfort.
Balance Difficulties
Vestibular migraines can affect the body’s ability to maintain stable balance. Individuals may feel unsteady when standing or walking, and some may experience a sensation of tilting or drifting.
Common Triggers of Vestibular Migraine
Vestibular migraine episodes may be influenced by a combination of neurological, lifestyle, and environmental factors. While triggers vary between individuals, recognising common patterns may help people better understand when symptoms are more likely to occur.
Lifestyle Factors
Irregular sleep patterns, prolonged screen use, high stress levels, and fatigue may contribute to vestibular migraine episodes. Long hours of desk work or poor posture can also place strain on the neck and upper spine, which may influence symptoms in some individuals.
Dietary Triggers
Certain foods and beverages may trigger vestibular migraine symptoms in susceptible individuals. Common examples include caffeine fluctuations, alcohol, aged cheeses, processed foods containing additives, and irregular meal patterns that may affect blood sugar levels.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly changes in oestrogen levels, may affect nerve sensitivity and brain signalling pathways associated with vestibular migraine. Some individuals notice symptoms becoming more frequent during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
Environmental and Sensory Stimuli
Bright lighting, strong smells, loud environments, and sudden changes in weather or barometric pressure may trigger vestibular migraine symptoms. Visual motion, such as moving crowds or rapidly scrolling screens, may also worsen dizziness or balance disturbances.
Diagnosis of Vestibular Migraine
Diagnosing vestibular migraine involves a careful review of symptoms, medical history, and potential neurological or vestibular factors. Because its symptoms can overlap with other balance disorders, clinicians typically evaluate several aspects before reaching a diagnosis.
Episode Frequency and Duration
Clinicians may review how often vestibular migraine episodes occur and how long they last. Episodes may range from a few minutes to several hours and may occur with or without a traditional migraine headache.
Detailed Medical History
A thorough medical history helps identify patterns related to dizziness, vertigo, headaches, and possible triggers. Information about previous migraine episodes, family history, lifestyle habits, and recent health changes may also be considered.
Associated Migraine Features
Vestibular migraine diagnosis often involves identifying typical migraine-related symptoms such as sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, head pressure, or visual disturbances. These features can help distinguish vestibular migraine from other vestibular conditions.
Exclusion of Other Conditions
Since dizziness and balance problems may occur in several disorders, clinicians may rule out other causes such as inner ear conditions, neurological disorders, or circulatory issues. This step helps ensure that the symptoms are consistent with vestibular migraine rather than another underlying condition.
Chiropractic Approaches for Vestibular Migraine Care
Managing vestibular migraine often involves addressing factors that may influence the cervical spine, nervous system, and balance pathways. Chiropractic care may focus on improving spinal function, relieving muscular tension, and supporting coordination between the neck, brain, and inner ear systems.
Upper Cervical Care (Atlas and Axis)
The upper cervical spine, particularly the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae, plays an important role in supporting head movement and neurological communication. Chiropractic evaluation may focus on this region to identify alignment or mobility issues that could influence nerve pathways associated with balance and spatial awareness.
Spinal Adjustments
Spinal manipulation techniques may be used to improve joint mobility in the neck and upper back. Restoring proper spinal movement may help reduce mechanical strain and support healthier communication between the nervous system and surrounding structures.
Cervical Decompression
Cervical decompression techniques may be used to gently relieve pressure in the neck region. This approach aims to create space between spinal segments, which may help reduce irritation of nearby nerves and improve overall neck function.
Canalith Repositioning Techniques
Certain dizziness symptoms may be related to disturbances within the inner ear. Canalith repositioning techniques, such as the Epley manoeuvre, may be used in appropriate cases to guide displaced inner ear crystals back to their proper position and reduce vertigo symptoms.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back may contribute to discomfort or imbalance. Soft tissue techniques, including targeted muscle work and therapeutic massage, may help relieve tightness and improve circulation around the cervical region.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises
Targeted balance and coordination exercises may be recommended to support the body’s vestibular system. These exercises aim to help the brain adapt to sensory signals from the inner ear and improve stability during movement.
Lifestyle and Ergonomic Guidance
Patients may also receive advice on posture, workstation setup, sleep habits, and stress management. Addressing daily habits that place strain on the neck and nervous system may help reduce factors that contribute to vestibular migraine episodes.
Self-Care and Prevention Strategies for Vestibular Migraine
Managing vestibular migraine often involves a combination of daily self-care habits and preventive strategies aimed at reducing potential triggers. While experiences vary between individuals, adopting supportive routines may help improve stability, reduce symptom frequency, and support overall neurological balance.
Self-Care Strategies
Dietary Management
Certain foods and beverages may contribute to vestibular migraine symptoms in some individuals. Monitoring dietary patterns and maintaining regular meal times may help stabilise blood sugar levels. Some people may choose to limit triggers such as caffeine fluctuations, alcohol, highly processed foods, or additives that are sometimes associated with migraine episodes.
Consistent Lifestyle Routine
Maintaining regular sleep and daily routines may support neurological stability. Irregular sleep schedules, prolonged screen exposure, and fatigue may increase sensitivity to vestibular migraine triggers, so consistent rest patterns and balanced daily habits are often recommended.
Stress Reduction
Stress can influence muscle tension, nerve sensitivity, and overall migraine susceptibility. Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and gentle stretching may help regulate stress levels and reduce tension around the neck and shoulders.
Gentle Physical Activity
Moderate physical activity may help improve circulation, posture, and muscular balance. Activities such as walking, light mobility exercises, or guided stretching can support spinal health and may help reduce physical strain that could contribute to vestibular migraine symptoms.
Prevention Strategies
Nutraceutical Support
Some individuals explore nutritional supplements under professional guidance as part of vestibular migraine prevention strategies. Certain vitamins or minerals are sometimes considered to support neurological function, although suitability varies between individuals and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
Vestibular rehabilitation involves specific exercises designed to help the brain adapt to balance signals from the inner ear and surrounding sensory systems. These exercises may help improve stability, reduce dizziness sensitivity, and support long-term balance control.
Healthy Weight Management
Maintaining a balanced weight through proper nutrition and physical activity may support overall health and reduce strain on the body. For some individuals, this may help lower the frequency or severity of migraine-related symptoms as part of a broader wellness approach.
When to See a Chiropractor for Vestibular Migraine
Vestibular migraine symptoms such as recurring dizziness, vertigo, motion sensitivity, or balance disturbances may sometimes be linked to issues involving the cervical spine, nervous system, or musculoskeletal tension around the neck. If these symptoms occur frequently, persist despite medication, or interfere with daily activities such as work, driving, or concentration, a professional evaluation may help identify contributing factors. Chiropractic assessment focuses on examining spinal alignment, posture, and nerve function, particularly in the upper cervical region that influences communication between the brain and body.
If you are experiencing ongoing dizziness or migraine-related balance symptoms, seeking professional support may help you better understand the underlying triggers. Contact us today to learn more about chiropractic care for vestibular migraine and schedule a consultation.
Vestibular Migraine Chiropractic Rates
Here are the expected rates for Vestibular Migraines care services at Vitality Chiropractic centres.
Discovery Call
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Jump on a free call with our Chiropractors to discuss your concerns and determine if we are the right fit for you.
Consultation
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During the initial consultation, our Chiropractors will get a full history. This will be done by running a physical examination, postural assessment, and nerve system tests.
Test Results
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Our Chiropractors will explain the findings and X-rays from the consultation. A customised Chiropractic care plan will then be developed for you.
Single Session
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Our Chiropractors will perform nerve scans and adjustments as needed. Re-examinations and rehab exercises might be implemented.
Meet Our Vestibular Migraine Specialists
Dr Shaan (Traditional and Complimentary Therapy Qualification) is a Chiropractor from London (UK) who graduated from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (UK) as a Doctor of Chiropractic (not medical doctor or dentist). He has completed post-graduate studies and has been serving patients in Singapore since 2015.
He founded Vitality Chiropractic Centres to open the first Upper Cervical clinic in Singapore, and the only practicing Knee Chest Upper Cervical Technique in South East Asia.
He is the Alliance of Chiropractic (AoC) Chairman for Outreach, organising events within Singapore with the People’s Association and other charities. Shaan has served thousands of patients, with experience in patients with headaches, migraines, vertigo, Meniere’s, trigeminal neuralgia, whiplash, IBS and other chronic nervous system problems.
Dr Jessey (黄钰心矫正师) (Traditional and Complimentary Therapy Qualification) is a Chiropractor from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), graduated from Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (UK) as a Doctor of Chiropractic (not medical doctor or dentist). She has experience serving patients from 2 weeks old to 96 years old prior to moving to Singapore and joining Vitality Chiropractic (活力脊椎矫正中心).
She has completed post-graduate studies and is Singapore’s first female Upper Cervical Chiropractor (上颈椎矫正护理).
Jessey is active in outreach, participating in charitable trips to Cambodia and within Singapore. Jessey has experience helping patients with headaches, migraines, dizziness (眩晕/头晕), Meniere’s (美尼尔氏综合症), slipped disc, anxiety, fibrillations, IBS and other chronic nerve system problems. She also has a special interest in children and younger patients.
If you’ve been struggling with vestibular migraines, call 8438 9550, email help@vitalitychiropracticcentres.com or fill in your information below to book your appointment.
Get Vestibular Migraine Care From Chiropractors
Chiropractic evaluation focuses on identifying potential musculoskeletal factors that may influence these symptoms, particularly within the cervical spine, where nerve pathways related to balance and spatial awareness are located. By assessing spinal alignment, posture, and joint mobility, chiropractors aim to support healthier nervous system communication and reduce mechanical strain that may contribute to vestibular migraine episodes.
Make an Appointment with Our Vestibular Migraine Specialists Now!
Recurring dizziness, vertigo, and balance disturbances associated with vestibular migraine can make everyday activities challenging. A thorough assessment may help identify whether factors such as cervical spine alignment, posture, or nerve irritation are contributing to your symptoms. At Vitality Chiropractic Centres, our chiropractors evaluate the neck, spine, and nervous system to better understand the possible causes behind vestibular migraine episodes and recommend an appropriate care approach.
If you are experiencing persistent vestibular migraine symptoms, seeking professional guidance may help you better understand your condition and explore suitable care options.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our vestibular migraine specialists.
Dizziness Research in Singapore
Read our case report about our patient with dizziness and the improvements seen with our care. This was produced by the Australian Spinal Research Foundation, and published in the Asia-Pacific Chiropractic Journal.
Read Our Book
Shaan authored the book, ‘Dealing With Dizziness – Holistic Solutions For Unexplained Chronic Dizziness, Vertigo, and Balance Problems’.
You can find it on Amazon, or available in our Singapore Chiropractic clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is vestibular migraine and how does it differ from regular migraines?
Vestibular migraine is a type of migraine that primarily affects the body’s balance system. Instead of severe head pain alone, individuals may experience dizziness, vertigo, motion sensitivity, or balance disturbances. Symptoms may occur with or without a typical migraine headache, which is why specialised vestibular migraine care often focuses on both neurological and balance-related factors.
What symptoms are commonly associated with vestibular migraine?
Common symptoms include vertigo, dizziness, sensitivity to motion, balance difficulties, nausea, and visual disturbances. Some people may also experience light or sound sensitivity during episodes. Because symptoms can vary between individuals, proper evaluation is important in guiding appropriate vestibular migraine care.
What triggers vestibular migraine episodes?
Triggers differ from person to person but may include stress, irregular sleep patterns, hormonal fluctuations, certain foods, dehydration, bright lights, or strong smells. Identifying personal triggers is an important part of long-term vestibular migraine care, as avoiding or managing these factors may help reduce symptom frequency.
Can chiropractic care support vestibular migraine management?
Some individuals explore chiropractic evaluation when vestibular migraine symptoms are associated with neck tension or spinal dysfunction. Clinics offering chiropractic services in Singapore may assess posture, cervical spine mobility, and nerve function to determine whether musculoskeletal factors may be contributing to symptoms. In some cases, a chiropractic alignment may be recommended to support spinal function and reduce mechanical strain as part of a broader vestibular migraine care approach.
How is vestibular migraine diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves reviewing symptom patterns, medical history, and associated migraine features. Healthcare providers may also rule out other causes of dizziness such as inner ear conditions or neurological disorders. This comprehensive assessment helps guide appropriate vestibular migraine care tailored to the individual’s symptoms.
When should I seek professional help for vestibular migraine?
If dizziness, vertigo, or balance disturbances occur frequently, worsen over time, or interfere with daily activities, it may be advisable to seek professional evaluation. Early consultation allows healthcare providers to identify possible contributing factors and recommend suitable vestibular migraine care strategies.
REFERENCES
- Gobel, H. (n.d.). A1.6.6 Vestibular migraine – ICHD-3. ICHD-3. https://ichd-3.org/appendix/a1-migraine/a1-6-episodic-syndromes-that-may-be-associated-with-migraine/a1-6-6-vestibular-migraine/
- Hilton, D. B. (2022, August 19). Migraine-Associated vertigo. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507859/
- Radtke, A., Von Brevern, M., Neuhauser, H., Hottenrott, T., & Lempert, T. (2012). Vestibular migraine: Long-term follow-up of clinical symptoms and vestibulo-cochlear findings. Neurology, 79(15), 1607–1614. https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.0b013e31826e264f
- Vestibular Disorders Association. (2023, November 29). Vestibular migraine – Vestibular Disorders Association. https://vestibular.org/article/diagnosis-treatment/types-of-vestibular-disorders/vestibular-migraine/
- Von Brevern, M., & Neuhauser, H. (2011). Epidemiological evidence for a link between vertigo and migraine. Journal of Vestibular Research, 21(6), 299–304. https://doi.org/10.3233/ves-2011-0423
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