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Chronic migrainous vertigo.
1Departments of Neurology, Oto-neurology and Medicine, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia. jjwaters@bigpond.net.au
Summary
This study suggests chronic daily vertigo may stem from migraine. Anti-migraine treatments provided significant relief, supporting a migrainous origin for vertigo.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Chronic vertigo presents a diagnostic challenge.
- Migraine is a common neurological disorder with diverse symptoms.
- Migraine-associated vertigo (MAV) is increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of chronic vertigo suspected to be migrainous.
- To evaluate the response to anti-migraine therapy in patients with chronic vertigo.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 16 subjects with daily chronic vertigo.
- Clinical evaluation including symptom assessment and vestibular investigations.
- Assessment of response to empirical anti-migraine treatment.
Main Results:
- Subjects experienced daily vertigo for over six months, with symptoms like motion sensitivity and positional vertigo.
- Standard investigations were often normal; atypical positional nystagmus and unilateral vestibular hypofunction were noted in some.
- A significant improvement in vertigo symptoms was observed with anti-migraine therapy.
Conclusions:
- Chronic daily vertigo, even if not meeting strict migraine criteria, may be migrainous in nature.
- Positive response to anti-migraine therapy supports the diagnosis of migraine-associated vertigo.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathophysiology and diagnostic criteria for MAV.