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vestibular migraine triggered by smells?
Anyone experience vestibular migraines triggered by certain smells? (especially but not limited to perfumes)
I seem to be getting them more frequently and it's awful because I'm at the mercy of people around me anywhere I go. My close friends and family know not to wear strong colognes, perfumes around me. They also say I'm hard to buy for because I can't tolerate scented candles, or soaps, etc. lol
People don't understand that it's not just the headache. I can usually get that part under control. It's the dizziness, nausea, light sensitivity, and just feeling sick, that can last longer than 1 day.
I avoid certain stores that have too many scents and definitely avoid perfume counters.
I could go on and on but mainly would like to hear from those who understand what I'm talking about. I don't know anyone else who suffers from this.
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I don't have the vestibular aspect, but I do get migraines with sensitivity to smells, lights. Too much of a scent can trigger a migraine.
We don't use scented candles anymore, have too many sitting in a box that we now give away. Certain cleaning products can be a trigger for me. I've changed hair products to find those that aren't strong smelling or have little to no scent. Same with moisturizers and soaps.
After entering menopause it has gotten worse.
Totally avoid the perfume counter in malls.
@oknowwhatpixie
Thanks for responding. I feel mine has gotten worse since menopause as well.
Unfortunately many of the smells I can no longer tolerate are smells that I initially liked. I used to try to find a perfume that wouldn't give me a headache but never had much luck.
Air fresheners are awful, especially the plug ins. It seems like my sense of smell has gotten more sensitive over the years too.
@jackieann59
The drop in hormones due to menopause in my opinion, is why my migraines have increased. And although I am using BHRT this past year the dosage is very low it doesn't help with my migraines.
When i first started BHRT at a higher dose my migraines actually stopped for a significant amout of time (for me) but the allergic reaction required lowering the dosage.
Seems I can tolerate natural everday smells, but nothing man made.
Its very frustrating.
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1 ReactionNot always, but often I, too am affected by what you describe as scent sensitivity, and when I already have a headache, I feel nauseous.