Exercise and vestibular migraines

[CazO46]

Can anyone suggest any good forms of exercise when you suffer from vestibular migraines ? I can find walking challenging because of balance but need to do something, thank you

[creativeK]

Hi Caz,

I was advised tai chi and pilates. Past experience with tai chi has always given me horrible motion sickness and triggered migraine, but I will try again at some point, as I can see that if you stick with it it would improve balance. Pilates i have yet to try. I do yoga instead (have been doing it for years) and find that's helpful, but now don't do any postures that stress my neck or put my head back or head below waist (vestibular physio's advice). Otherwise bits and pieces (e.g. squats) adapted to suit (may hold on to something for balance) as and when I can, dropping them if they trigger migraine and trying something else. Also - 'use it or lose it' (best advice I was ever given re. Vestib migraine): keep your walking going as safely as you can (indoors only for now if it puts you at risk) and aim to build up more and more. I was told aim for 6000 steps a day and, when you're fairly stable, practise walking on different surfaces, e.g. grass and sand etc (surfaces that 'give'): far harder to balance and always used to make me feel v sick. Mostly fine now :-). Keeping healthy and active is tough with this condition but it gets easier if you push yourself and set routines to stay mobile and fit. Best of luck xxx

[CazO46 in reply to creativeK]

I've been to a few yoga classes but stayed near the door as I was worried I'd be sick and need to leave. I've lost a lot of weight due to nausea and I'm on build up drinks which I hate but need them. I really appreciate your advice and support X

[foursimplewords in reply to creativeK]

that is great advice x