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Updated: Mar 28, 2026
In Vivo Morphometric Analysis of Human Cranial Nerves Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Menière's Disease Ears and Normal Hearing Ears
Published on: February 21, 2018
An epidemiological study to investigate the relationship between Meniere's disease and migraine
Objectives:
A relationship between Meniere's disease and migraine has been postulated previously. This study investigates this relationship further and determines the most influential factors for developing Meniere's disease.
Design:
Epidemiological study.
Setting:
Two tertiary referral Neuro-Otological centres in Sheffield and Sydney.
Participants:
Adult patients referred to the Neuro-Otology clinic between 2003 and 2010.
Main Outcome Measures:
Past history and family history of Meniere's disease and migraine. Logistic regression analysis to determine the most influential factors for Meniere's disease.
Results:
One hundred and eighty-one patients were included in the study, 102 with Meniere's disease and 79 with other balance disorders. Three significant findings were demonstrated. Firstly, a family history of Meniere's disease (33.3% versus 6.3%) or migraine (21.6% versus 9%) is more common in the Meniere's disease group than in the other balance disorders group. Secondly, a history of migrainous headaches is more common in the Meniere's disease group than in the other balance disorders group (45.1% versus 9%). Thirdly, patients with a past history or a family history of Meniere's disease or migraine have a higher likelihood of suffering from Meniere's disease.
Conclusions:
There is an overall relationship between Meniere's disease and migraine. A family history of Meniere's disease or migraine is more common in Meniere's disease. A history of migrainous headache is more common in Meniere's disease. Patients with a past history or family history of Meniere's disease or migraine have a higher likelihood of suffering from Meniere's disease.
