- An otic migraine is also known as a vestibular migraine. Migraines are a class of conditions characterized by a pounding headache, accompanied by nausea or a sensory sensitivity like light avoidance. Some migraine sufferers experience the symptoms of a migraine without a headache.
- Symptoms of an otic migraine are similar to a classic migraine, including nausea, a throbbing headache and the desire to be in the dark. Otic migraines are different because they involve dizziness and vertigo in addition to the classic migraine symptoms. Vertigo is the feeling that the room is spinning.
- According to the Johns' Hopkins Medicine guide "Vestibular Migraine," conditions which may be confused with otic migraines include a series of small strokes, Meniere's Disease, or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (a condition caused by debris caught in the inner ear).
- Though the biological causes of migraines are not fully understood, according to "Vestibular Migraine," migraines are thought to be caused by unusual, misplaced electrical discharges in the brain and constricted cranial blood vessels. Women experience otic migraines more frequently during their menstrual periods.
- The triggers for the otic migraine are largely food related. Red wine and dried fruit with sulfites are major migraine triggers. Foods with large amounts of caffeine such as coffee and soda must be avoided, as well as monosodium glutamate (MSG), a common component in Chinese food. Otic migraines can also be caused by too much salt in the diet, low blood sugar or a lack of sleep.