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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Otalgia associated with migraine.
Michael Teixido1, Peter Seymour, Brian Kung
1Department of Otolaryngology, Christiana Care Health System, Wilmington, Delaware, USA. michaelteixido@comcast.net
Summary
Unexplained ear pain (otalgia) is often linked to migraine. Treating migraine effectively significantly improves otalgia symptoms in most patients, suggesting a common underlying mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Otalgia, or ear pain, is a common symptom with various potential causes.
- Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by severe head pain and associated symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between otalgia and migraine.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of migraine treatments for otalgia of unclear origin.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective survey was conducted in a neurotology practice.
- Patients with otalgia, excluding other causes, were treated with standard migraine therapies.
- Response to treatment was assessed by comparing symptom severity before and after treatment.
Main Results:
- Ninety-two percent of patients with otalgia responded positively to migraine therapy.
- Improvements were observed in symptom frequency, severity, and duration.
- A high prevalence of migraine characteristics, including triggerability, was noted in patients with otalgia.
Conclusions:
- Otalgia of unknown cause may be associated with migraine mechanisms.
- Migraine treatment is highly effective for otalgia, supporting a link between the two conditions.
- Clinical criteria for diagnosing migraine-associated otalgia are proposed for future research.
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