Dr. Ahmed
Vestibular migraine causes intense dizziness and vertigo, sometimes with regular migraine symptoms or no headache at all, and can affect daily life, but new treatments are giving hope to those who suffer from it.
Nurtec (Rimegepant) is a CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) receptor blocker that has been effective in preventing and treating migraine.
How are Vestibular Migraines different from regular migraine?
Vestibular migraine is a migraine sub-type. It primarily affects the inner ear’s balance control system. Vestibular migraine attacks bring intense episodes of vertigo, featuring spinning sensations and dizziness, paired with migraine symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and light and sound sensitivity.
Headaches are common, but their absence in VM cases makes diagnosis difficult.
Although the exact cause of vestibular migraine remains unclear, it is closely related to irregular brain activity in the areas responsible for handling pain and balance signals.
Common VM triggers include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods and drinks, lack of sleep, and dehydration, similar to those experienced in people who suffer from migraine.
How do you diagnose Vestibular Migraine?
According to studies, the diagnostic criteria of vestibular migraines are as follows [Ref]
- Past history of migraine, with or without aura.
- At least 5 attacks of vertigo ranging from moderate to severe intensity that last from 5 minutes to 72 hours.
- At least half of the attacks should have the typical migraine symptoms like headache, photophobia, phonophobia, or all of these.
Nurtec: A New Approach to Migraine Treatment
CGRP is a neuropeptide that functions as a potent vasodilator and is featured in pain pathways. Studies have linked CGRP with vestibular migraines as it is expressed in the vestibular system and plays a role in motion sickness, migraine pain, and inflammation.
Nurtec blocks CGRP and stops the steps that lead to migraines.
Nurtec’s Efficacy for Vestibular Migraines
Nurtec is mainly used to treat and prevent migraines that happen less than 15 days a month, and it might also help with vestibular migraines. But still, there are limited studies investigating its effects on vestibular migraines.
According to a study, Nurtec significantly prevented vestibular migraine attacks in people who had migraines and at least four VM attacks each month.
Compared to the placebo, Nurtec showed impressive results in lowering the number of VM episodes and improving overall well-being.
Another study also suggests that Rimegepant prevents VM symptoms when used as an abortive therapy. The study demonstrated Rimegepant’s with every 2 days administration. [Ref]
It is essential to know that research on using Nurtec for vestibular migraine (VM) is still very new. More research is needed to confirm these early results and understand the long-term benefits and potential side effects of Nurtec.
Potential Benefits of Nurtec for Vestibular Migraines
According to the available data and patient reviews, Nurtec provides several advantages for individuals with VM:
- It might help lower the number of VM symptom attacks, give relief, and improve quality of life.
- By reducing the intense effects of vertigo and VM symptoms, Nurtec helps people to keep up with their daily routines and activities.
- Nurtec’s dissolvable tablets are easy to take, even during severe migraine episodes.
Possible Side Effects
Some people may experience side effects while taking Nurtec; some common side effects are:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
It is essential to discuss these possible side effects with your healthcare provider to see if Nurtec is the right choice for you.
Also, Nurtec might interact with other medications you are taking, so be sure to share your full medical history with your doctor.
Conclusion
Nurtec is a new medication, and data on its use for vestibular migraines is scarce. That is why, before choosing Nurtec as your treatment plan, you must carefully go through your symptoms and make sure you have been correctly diagnosed with Vestibular migraine.
Some other options that can help with VM treatment include vestibular rehabilitation, which primarily focuses on special exercises that help to improve balance and decrease dizziness related to VM.
Along with this, finding and staying away from things that trigger migraine, like certain foods, stress, and poor sleep, can also help reduce the number of VM attacks.
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