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Headaches: Cervicogenic vs. Migraines vs. Vestibular Migraines… What’s the Difference?

Headaches are one of the most common complaints people experience, but not all headaches are the same. Understanding the differences between cervicogenic headaches, migraines, and vestibular migraines can help individuals identify their symptoms and seek the most effective treatment. These three types of headaches share similarities, yet they each have distinct characteristics that set them apart. A tailored approach to treatment, guided by the right diagnosis, is essential for long-term relief and better quality of life.

Understanding the distinctions between cervicogenic headaches, migraines, and vestibular migraines is critical for receiving the right diagnosis and treatment.

Cervicogenic Headaches

  • Source: These headaches stem from issues in the cervical spine (neck). They are often caused by poor posture, neck injuries, or joint dysfunction in the cervical region.

  • Symptoms: Cervicogenic headaches typically start at the back of the head and neck, radiating toward the forehead and eyes. They are often one-sided and can be aggravated by neck movements or sustained postures.

  • Diagnosis: A key diagnostic criterion is that manipulating or moving the neck can reproduce the headache symptoms. Imaging tests may also reveal cervical spine problems, such as degenerative changes.

  • Treatment: Physiotherapy is highly effective for cervicogenic headaches. Manual therapy to improve neck mobility, posture correction, and strengthening exercises are commonly prescribed to reduce tension and prevent recurrence.

Migraines

  • Source: Migraines are a neurological disorder, often with a genetic component. Migraines can be triggered by factors such as hormonal changes, stress, certain foods, and environmental stimuli.

  • Symptoms: Migraine attacks may last for hours to days. They are characterized by episodes of severe, throbbing headaches that are usually one-sided and accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell. They often involve visual disturbances (aura) before the onset of the headache.

  • Diagnosis: Migraines are diagnosed based on clinical history and symptoms, with no need for imaging unless other conditions are suspected. A family history of migraines increases the likelihood of the diagnosis.

  • Treatment: Migraines require a multifaceted approach, including medication for acute relief, lifestyle changes to avoid triggers, and physiotherapy for posture correction and stress management.

Vestibular Migraines

  • Source: Like traditional migraines, vestibular migraines are neurological in nature. However, they are distinguished by the presence of vertigo and dizziness, with or without the presence of a headache.

  • Symptoms: Vestibular migraines cause episodes of dizziness or vertigo that can last from minutes to days. These episodes may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Unlike other vestibular conditions, vestibular migraines are not triggered by changes in head position.

  • Diagnosis: Vestibular migraines are diagnosed by a neurologist or ENT specialist. A history of migraines, along with recurring vertigo episodes, is key to diagnosis.

  • Treatment: Vestibular physiotherapy is critical for managing vestibular migraines, especially for those with persistent dizziness. Balance exercises, vestibular rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes to avoid triggers are recommended.

How Neuro Junction Can Help

At Neuro Junction, our team of physiotherapists take a comprehensive, individualized approach and ensures that every patient receives the right combination of therapies for their specific condition. Whether you’re dealing with neck-related headaches, traditional migraines, or vestibular symptoms, we’re here to help you find relief.

Our physiotherapists use a combination of manual therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, posture correction, and exercise programs to help alleviate pain and prevent future headaches. By working closely with you, we aim to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root causes of your headaches, improves your quality of life, and helps you manage your symptoms in the long term.

Contact Neuro Junction today to book a consultation and take the first step toward managing your headaches effectively.


References

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Jessica Nienhuis