August 13, 2024

Vestibular Migraines

Do you or someone you love suffer from vestibular migraines? If so, there may be triggers and treatments that have not yet been discovered or discussed. Most of the patients that I see who have…
Posted by
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

Do you or someone you love suffer from vestibular migraines?

If so, there may be triggers and treatments that have not yet been discovered or discussed.

Most of the patients that I see who have been diagnosed with vestibular migraines have triggers that are largely visual.  Busy visual environments, flashing lights, computer screens, reading, motion, and more.

This leads me to believe that there is something wrong with visual processing, otherwise, why would these visual triggers cause symptoms?  An easy example of this is the PATTERN GLARE TEST. This test is only giving visual stimulus, but it often provokes a lot of symptoms in people with vestibular migraines or chronic migraines.  This tells us that something to do with how vision is being processed is part of the migraine trigger.  This is also why treating these visual problems means that vision doesn?t trigger migraines to the same extent, or at all.

Visual Aliasing test

Pattern Glare Test

It?s often overlooked how visual processing of depth/space gone bad can cause vestibular type symptoms.  This can be re-created in people by using glasses that distort depth/spatial perception, without changing any inner-ear function.

The reason this happens is that vision is 70% of the incoming sensory information to the brain.  Vision is then used to integrate with the vestibular system. If vision is not accurate (even though it may be clear), it can cause problems with how the eyes and the inner ear work together.

If the Pattern Glare test causes you any symptoms or is unpleasant, then we know that visual stimulus is a big trigger and there is a problem with how vision is being processed.

The big problem is that typical testing for vestibular migraines often doesn?t dive deep enough into how vision is working to diagnose or be able to treat any of the vision problems.  A routine eye exam will likely miss the visual-vestibular mismatch as well.

If you or a loved one is suffering from vestibular migraines, please find your nearest neuro-optometrist who tests eye tracking, binocular function, and visual vestibular integration.  It can mean the difference between years of suffering and getting back to being you.

Share
Our Victoria Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
200-775 Topaz Ave
Victoria, BC V8T 4Z7
Phone
(250) 590-7384
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
  • Monday:
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Friday:
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Sunday:
    Closed
Rating
5.0
Out of 265 Reviews
Our Nanaimo Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
205-1825 Bowen Rd
Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1
Phone
(250) 591-0270
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
  • Monday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Thursday:
    11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Friday:
    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    Closed
  • Sunday:
    Closed
Rating
4.9
Out of 59 Reviews

You Ask, We'll Answer

Educating you so you can make informed decisions

View More Resources
Want to ask a different question? Contact us here
  • What is Neuro-Optometry?

    Neuro-Optometry focuses on the intricate connection between your visual system and the brain, extending beyond traditional eye care to assess functional vision. This branch of optometry examines how your eyes track, move, coordinate, and how your brain processes depth, motion, and balance. Disruptions in these functions can lead to a range of issues including headaches, migraines, dizziness, balance challenges, post-concussion symptoms, reading difficulties, and attention deficits (ADHD). By exploring these functional areas, we also identify opportunities to enhance performance in activities such as sports, reading speed, and cognitive processes.

  • What is Vision Therapy?

    At Opto-Mization, vision therapy is a specialized, personalized program aimed at improving visual skills and abilities. It goes beyond traditional vision therapy to help improve how the eyes and brain work together, addressing visual-motor and perceptual-cognitive challenges to enhance overall visual function. It’s more than just exercises; it’s a pathway to better vision and improved daily life.

  • Do you Provide Regular Eye Exams and General Optometric Services?

    Yes, alongside vision therapy and neuro-optometry, we offer comprehensive eye exams and general optometry services. Our experienced optometrists perform thorough eye exams to evaluate overall eye health, identify any eye conditions or diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses when beneficial.

  • Who is the Ideal Candidate for Vision Therapy and Neuro-Optometry?

    Vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help individuals of all ages. Whether you’re struggling with visual processing issues, binocular vision disorders, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or have sustained a brain injury, our services might be beneficial for you. Contact us to discuss if our tailored approach can meet your specific needs and goals.

  • Do I Need a Referral to See an Optometrist at Opto-Mization?

    No, you do not need a referral for an eye exam at Opto-Mization. We welcome anyone who suspects they might benefit from our services, whether you’re experiencing symptoms of visual discomfort or just want to ensure optimal visual performance. Feel free to reach out and schedule your appointment directly with us to take the first step toward understanding and improving your visual function.

  • Do You Direct Bill Insurance?

    Yes, we offer direct billing for a variety of insurance plans to make the process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for our patients. Our knowledgeable staff is well-versed in working with insurance providers, ensuring that you can maximize your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for our services, including vision therapy and eye exams.