If you’ve ever felt dizzy or like the room is spinning—a sensation known as vertigo—it might be more than just a passing feeling. A recent study from Peking University suggests that dizziness and vertigo could actually be early warning signs of migraines.
The study, led by researcher Tongxiang Diao, involved 708 nurses at a large hospital. Participants were split into three groups: those with no headaches, those with migraines, and those with other types of headaches. The researchers wanted to know if dizziness and vertigo were more common in people with migraines.
The results showed a clear connection. Nearly 29% of the participants reported having some type of headache, and 13% said they had migraines. Out of all the people in the study, 235 said they experienced dizziness or vertigo.
What stood out was that people with vertigo were almost three times more likely to have migraines or other headaches. Those who reported frequent dizziness had over eight times the risk of developing migraines.
Why is this important? Because migraines are more than just bad headaches. They can cause throbbing pain, nausea, and extreme sensitivity to light or sound. For many people, migraines interfere with work, social life, and sleep. Recognizing early signs—like dizziness—can help doctors diagnose migraines faster and begin treatment earlier.
In particular, this research highlights a specific kind of migraine called a vestibular migraine, which affects balance. People with vestibular migraines may not always have the typical head pain. Instead, they may experience frequent dizziness or a feeling of spinning. These symptoms can be confusing and are sometimes mistaken for other conditions, such as inner ear problems or anxiety.
This study suggests that doctors should take dizziness and vertigo more seriously—especially when patients also report headaches or a family history of migraines. For people who experience these symptoms often, it may be time to talk to a healthcare provider.
Early treatment can help manage symptoms better and reduce the number and severity of future migraine attacks.
Understanding the link between dizziness, vertigo, and migraines can also improve the lives of patients. It gives both patients and doctors a clearer picture of what might be going on and how to deal with it. Treating the root cause, rather than just the symptoms, is key to long-term relief.
This research, published in Frontiers in Neuroscience, reminds us that symptoms like dizziness aren’t always harmless. They can point to more serious issues like migraines. So if you often feel dizzy or experience vertigo, don’t ignore it. Getting the right diagnosis early could make a big difference in your health and quality of life.
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