FINDING TREATMENT AND SUPPORT FOR COPING WITH VESTIBULAR MIGRAINE
Vestibular migraine patients, Kayla McCain and Alicia Wolf, share their tips for coping with vestibular migraine.
When an individual is first diagnosed with vestibular migraine it can be difficult to cope. It’s easy to feel frustrated, anxious and even sad that your life has forever changed. Here are some tips and tools that have helped us learn how to cope and accept our “new normal.”
- Educate yourself on your illness so you know what information to trust
- Find the right doctor who will support you
- Trial & find the right medication
- Vestibular therapy
- Online and in-person support groups
- Counseling and cognitive behavior therapy
- Create a support group with your spouse, friends and/or family
- Websites & dependable resources focused on migraine
Exercise
- Yoga
- Dance classes
- Walking
- Running
- Cycling
- Tai Chi
Self-Care
- Meditation
- Massage therapy
- Bubble baths
- Acupuncture
- Getting enough sleep
- Cultivating a spiritual practice
- Mindfulness and positive affirmations
- Get out of the house and hang out with friends
Diet and Supplements
- Heal Your Headache Diet
- Keto Diet
- Eat real, whole foods
- Magnesium and riboflavin
- Be consistent
Learn Your Triggers and Manage Them
- Manage your stress
- Take medications prescribed by your physician
- Migraine glasses
- Essential oils: lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint
- Drink tea for nausea: chamomile or ginger
- Limit screen time i.e. computers, tablets, cell phones
- Reduce visual and auditory stimulation
- Find a dark and quiet room when having an attack
- Maintain a strict sleep schedule
Acceptance
- Be open to all types of treatments
- Never stop advocating for yourself
- Focus on something else that motivates you
- Avoid negative influences
*This information is not intended as medical advice. Please read VeDA’s disclaimer.