Hi Reader,

This week on Instagram we discussed the phases of a Vestibular Migraine attack. Living with a migraine disorder can feel overwhelming, but understanding the phases of an attack can empower you to take control and prove to be a valuable tool regarding treatment strategies.

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Here’s a breakdown of the four primary stages:

1. Prodrome (Premonitory Phase): This phase can occur hours to days before the onset of the migraine attack. Symptoms during this phase may include mood changes, food cravings, increased thirst, neck stiffness, increased yawning, and frequent urination. Not everyone experiences prodrome, and the symptoms can vary widely.
2. Aura (if applicable): Not all people with migraine experience an aura. An aura is a set of neurological symptoms that typically precede the onset of the migraine attack. Auras are usually visual disturbances, such as flashes of light, zigzag lines, or blind spots. However, auras can also involve other neurological symptoms, like tingling sensations in the face or hands. Aura symptoms usually last for about 20 minutes to an hour and resolve before the headache begins.
3. Attack: This is the phase most commonly associated with migraine. Common symptoms include vertigo (a spinning sensation), dizziness, problems with balance and coordination, and sometimes visual disturbances. Unlike typical migraines, the headache may be mild or absent during this phase. The attack phase can last from a few hours to several days. During this phase, individuals may also experience other symptoms such as sensitivity to light, sound, and smells, nausea, and vomiting.
4. Postdrome (Recovery Phase): After the attack phase resolves, some people experience a postdrome, also known as the "migraine hangover." During this phase, individuals may feel fatigued, have difficulty concentrating, experience mood changes (such as irritability or elation), and have lingering attack symptoms. The postdrome can last for a day or two.
5. Interictal Phase: This refers to the period between migraine attacks when an individual is not experiencing active symptoms. During the interictal phase, individuals may feel relatively normal without the acute symptoms that are typical during a vestibular migraine episode. However, some people may still experience residual symptoms, such as mild imbalance, sensitivity to motion, or other subtle issues related to the vestibular system. It's crucial to understand that the interictal phase is a time when the individual is in a sort of "migraine-free" period, but they may still be at risk of experiencing another vestibular migraine in the future.

This is my favourite image to use to show the phases of the attack, including the structures of the brain involved in each phase, and the typical symptoms associated. Everyone's migraine will present differently though, so we use this image as a guideline and make it specific to you.

This is all part of the Personalized Action Plan in the Vestibular Migraine Workshop, which begins February 12th! This workshop is designed to provide actionable strategies, expert insights, and a supportive community for those living with vestibular migraine.

CA$499.00 Vestibular Migraine Workshop Register

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Workshop Details:

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📅 Date: February 12 - April 2, 2025
🕒 Time: Wednesdays, 4:00-5:30pm EST
📍 Location: Virtual
💡 What You’ll Learn:

• Understanding vestibular migraines and their triggers
• Proven strategies for symptom management
• Actionable lifestyle changes and treatments that make a lasting difference
• Techniques for balancing daily life and migraine episodes
• Insights from a vestibular PT who has been treating this disorder for years

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Reader, if you have questions about the workshop or need help with the registration process, please don’t hesitate to contact me at cheryl@healingvertigo.com or hit reply to this email.

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Thank you as always for being part of this vestibular community!

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~ Cheryl