Migraine Headache and Vertigo Causes: The Allergy Connection

Persistent migraine headaches and sudden vertigo attacks can make life miserable. If you suffer from one or both of these problems, you may wonder what is causing the pain and how to stop it. You may even visit your doctor and get a prescription to help stop the migraine agony or to help stop the vertigo spin. However, these medicines may not help you if you have an underlying cause such as allergies.

Note: Please consult your doctor as your symptoms and underlying conditions may vary.

Can Allergies Really Cause Migraine Pain and Vertigo Attacks?

Yes, allergies may be an underlying contributor to reoccurring migraines and vertigo spells. Even if you do not appear to suffer from traditional allergy symptoms - sneezing, runny eyes, and wheezing - you may suffer from environmental allergies resulting in frequent and severe headaches and dizziness.

Recent studies, according to Everyday Health, suggest that there is evidence that certain food or environmental allergies can trigger your migraine. Vertigo can accompany migraine headaches in some people.

How Allergy Testing Works

If you suspect that allergies are a factor in your migraines, vertigo attacks, or both, then ask your doctor for an allergy test. The test is performed by an allergist, usually in a doctor's office.

The allergist may inject you with various environmental allergens including pollens, molds, dust mites, and animals. The allergens are administered with a very small needle in tiny rows in your upper arm or back. You may feel a small amount of pain as well as itching and swelling in the immediate area. Some clinics test allergies via patches instead of needles.

How Will Allergy Shots Help?

The idea behind allergy shots is to build up your immune system so your body can fight the allergen on its own. Each person is different so your course of treatment will vary. Most likely, you will visit the doctor's office for a few weeks to months to get the shot administered. You may then be able to administer the shots at home.

In certain situations, you may not be able to take allergy shots so be sure to discuss all existing medical conditions and medications with your doctor.

Allergy shots are administered with a small needle, and you may feel a minor amount of pain at the site. The allergist may ask you to stay in the office for a few minutes to monitor any reactions. If you have a severe reaction, then the doctor can give medication to stop it. However, most reactions are minor and include site itching, swelling, and minor bruising.

If the local site is persistently bothersome, then ask the allergist to apply anti-histamine cream.

Over time, your allergies should decrease and so should your migraine headaches and vertigo attacks.

Sources:
Personal Experience
Health Families
Everyday Health
Health Central
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