Migraine-related vertigo: towards a distinctive entity

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Migraine and vertigo are common neurological and vestibular disorders, respectively.
• While often co-occurring by chance, a distinct clinical entity of migraine-related vertigo is increasingly recognized.
• The underlying pathophysiology linking migraine to vertigo remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between migraine and recurrent vestibular symptoms.
• To propose diagnostic criteria for migraine-related vertigo.
• To outline current treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing clinical evidence and proposed pathophysiological mechanisms.
• Formulation of diagnostic criteria based on clinical presentation.
• Summary of therapeutic approaches for acute and prophylactic management.

Main Results:

• Growing evidence supports a causal link between migraine and vestibular symptoms.
• A proposed mechanism involves migrainous aseptic inflammation affecting the trigeminal and vestibular systems.
• Diagnostic criteria for migraine-related vertigo are suggested.

Conclusions:

• Migraine-related vertigo is a plausible clinical syndrome.
• Management involves acute anti-vertiginous treatment and migraine prophylactic strategies.
• Multicenter, prospective controlled studies are essential for further validation.