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Neurotologic findings in basilar migraine
1Otologic Associates, San Antonio, TX 78229.
The Laryngoscope
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Basilar migraine patients often experience otologic symptoms like dysequilibrium and phonophobia. This study reveals subtle neurotologic findings, suggesting migraine can cause central nervous system maladaptation and occasional peripheral injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
Background:
- The association between otologic symptoms and migraine-like headaches is recognized but poorly defined.
- This study investigates neurotologic findings in patients with basilar migraine.
Observation:
- Fifty patients with basilar migraine underwent detailed neurotologic examinations.
- Common symptoms included dysequilibrium, phonophobia, and head pressure.
- Key signs were positional nystagmus, low-frequency hearing loss, and abnormal caloric testing.
Findings:
- Advanced vestibular testing revealed abnormalities in amplitude scaling, perturbation, and sway.
- Computerized rotational testing often showed asymmetry.
- Most patients exhibited subtle findings, but some showed peripheral end-organ injury.
Implications:
- Basilar migraine may represent a central nervous system maladaptation syndrome.
- This syndrome can manifest as otoneurologic symptoms.
- In a small percentage of cases, basilar migraine may lead to peripheral vestibular injury.