Vestibular Migraines in Reno, NV
Vestibular migraines are a debilitating neurological condition that combines the dizziness and vertigo of vestibular dysfunction with the classic features of migraine. At Gates Brain Health, Dr. Randall Gates, D.C., Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist, uses state-of-the-art testing and a holistic root-cause approach to identify why your vestibular migraines keep coming back.
Request an AppointmentWhat Are Vestibular Migraines?
Vestibular migraines are a type of migraine headache where vertigo or dizziness is a prominent symptom — often rivaling or exceeding the headache pain itself. They are one of the most common yet frequently underdiagnosed causes of episodic vertigo, particularly in adults between the ages of 20 and 50.
During a vestibular migraine episode, patients may experience a spinning sensation (vertigo), rocking or swaying feelings, dizziness, sensitivity to light (photophobia), sensitivity to sound (phonophobia), nausea, and sometimes headache — though headache isn’t always present. Episodes can last from minutes to hours or even days, making normal daily activities extremely difficult.
Common Triggers of Vestibular Migraines
Vestibular migraines are triggered by a wide range of factors, and identifying your personal triggers is a key part of long-term management. Common triggers include:
- Certain foods (aged cheeses, alcohol, caffeine, processed meats, MSG)
- Hormonal fluctuations (particularly in women around menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause)
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep disruption or excess
- Bright lights, loud sounds, or strong smells
- Weather or barometric pressure changes
- Skipping meals or dehydration
The Autoimmune and Thyroid Connection
In Dr. Gates’ clinical experience, vestibular migraines are frequently associated with autoimmune thyroid disease — particularly Hashimoto’s thyroiditis — and celiac disease. From a functional medicine perspective, when the immune system is dysregulated, it can impair cerebral blood flow and create the neurological instability that underlies vestibular migraines. Addressing immune regulation is often the missing piece in migraine management.
Leaky gut and dysbiosis also play a role: an inflamed gut drives systemic neuroinflammation, which lowers the threshold for migraine activity and makes the brain more reactive to triggers.
How Gates Brain Health Evaluates and Treats Vestibular Migraines
At Gates Brain Health, we use videonystagmography (VNG) — state-of-the-art computerized eye movement testing — to assess how your brain is processing vestibular signals. This allows Dr. Gates to functionally evaluate the health of the cerebellum and vestibular pathways, providing a far more detailed picture than standard neurological exams.
Based on these findings, along with comprehensive laboratory testing for autoimmune markers, thyroid function, inflammatory pathways, and gut health, Dr. Gates develops an individualized treatment plan. This may include dietary changes, targeted supplementation to support immune regulation and reduce neuroinflammation, vestibular rehabilitation exercises, neuroplasticity-based therapies, and trigger identification and avoidance strategies.
We also treat related vestibular conditions including vertigo and dizziness, Meniere’s disease, BPPV, and vestibular neuronitis.
If vestibular migraines are disrupting your life, call Gates Brain Health in Reno, NV at (775) 507-2000 or schedule a consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vestibular Migraines
What is the difference between a vestibular migraine and a regular migraine?
A regular migraine primarily involves headache pain along with light and sound sensitivity and nausea. A vestibular migraine includes prominent vestibular symptoms — such as vertigo, dizziness, a rocking or swaying sensation, and balance problems — that may occur with or without headache. Some patients with vestibular migraines experience very little head pain, making diagnosis more challenging.
Can vestibular migraines cause vertigo without a headache?
Yes. This is one of the reasons vestibular migraines are so often misdiagnosed. Many patients experience episodes of dizziness or vertigo without a classic migraine headache, leading to a search for inner ear problems rather than a migraine diagnosis. Dr. Gates uses comprehensive vestibular and neurological testing to accurately evaluate what’s driving your symptoms.
Is there a connection between vestibular migraines and autoimmune disease?
In Dr. Gates’ clinical experience, yes. Vestibular migraines are frequently associated with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and with celiac disease. Immune dysregulation can impair blood flow to the brain and lower the neurological threshold for migraine activity. Identifying and addressing autoimmune triggers is often key to achieving lasting migraine relief.
What is VNG testing and how does it help with vestibular migraines?
Videonystagmography (VNG) is advanced computerized eye movement testing that evaluates how your brain is processing signals from the inner ear and vestibular system. Eye movements are controlled by the cerebellum and brainstem, so abnormal patterns can reveal exactly where in the brain dysfunction is occurring. This allows Dr. Gates to develop a targeted treatment plan specific to your neurological findings.
Are vestibular migraines more common in women?
Yes. Vestibular migraines are significantly more common in women than men, with a female-to-male ratio of approximately 5:1. Hormonal fluctuations — particularly around menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause — are major triggers for both migraine activity and vestibular symptoms. This hormonal connection is one reason why vestibular migraines often worsen at specific times in a woman’s cycle.
What dietary changes help with vestibular migraines?
A low-tyramine, anti-inflammatory diet is often recommended for vestibular migraine management. This includes reducing or eliminating aged cheeses, alcohol (especially red wine), caffeine, processed meats, MSG, and artificial sweeteners. Additionally, addressing food sensitivities — particularly gluten if celiac or autoimmune thyroid disease is present — can significantly reduce migraine frequency and severity.
How do I schedule an appointment at Gates Brain Health for vestibular migraines?
Call us at (775) 507-2000 or book a consultation online. We offer a free initial consultation so Dr. Gates can learn about your history and explain how his approach can help. We treat both local Reno patients and distance patients via telemedicine after the initial in-person exam.