Vestibular functioning and migraine: comparing those with and without vertigo to a normal population

Abstract

These findings indicate underlying differences in the vestibular ocular reflexes and function of migraine sufferers compared with those who do not suffer migraines, but the difference is most pronounced for those with migrainous vertigo. This suggests that vestibular rehabilitation for migrainous vertigo should focus on vestibular ocular reflexes and functional retraining.

Balance Impairments in Different Subgroups of Patients With Migraine

“…In contrast, we generally observed differences between control subjects and all migraineurs (including the migraine without aura group) in the estimated parameters for the LoS test. 1,39 However, the effects of dizziness on the postural control of migraineurs remain controversial. A comparison with our results should be carefully considered since studies have varied significantly in testing protocols, the selection of the population, and the adoption of different sample sizes.…”

“…About 38% of patients report this symptom 38 and 58% also present evidence of vestibular dysfunction in laboratory-based assessments, irrespective of whether patients report dizziness episodes. 1,39 However, the effects of dizziness on the postural control of migraineurs remain controversial. Celebisoy et al 2 and Teggi et al 11 have demonstrated differences in the postural control between patients with migraine and vestibular migraine.…”

“…The available literature suggests that the balance disorders seen in migraineurs are due subclinical cerebellar or brainstem dysfunction 5,27 and alterations of the central vestibular pathways. 1,9,15,23 They also suggest that migraineurs usually have normal peripheral vestibular function. 9 The central vestibular abnormalities may be related to vasospasm-induced ischemia of the labyrinth, and repeated episodes may lead to irreversible damage.…”

Increased mean platelet volume in patients with vestibular migraine

“…Migraine and vertigo are common problems and a patient may have both of them by chance [1]. Thirty eight percent of migraine patients have vertigo [2][3]. Also many vertiginous pathologies are associated with migraine epidemiologically.…”

“…Diagnosis of vestibular migraine is a challenge because pathophysiology is not well understood and there is no specific examination finding, biological marker or laboratory test [2]. Detailed and careful history is important and high index of suspicion is needed for clinician.…”