[Vestibular migraine: diagnostic difficulties and treatment optimization]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuro-otology
• Headache Medicine

Background:

• Vestibular migraine (VM) is a significant cause of recurrent vertigo.
• Underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of VM are prevalent in clinical practice.
• Accurate identification is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide current information on vestibular migraine.
• To highlight diagnostic features for preventing errors.
• To guide effective treatment selection for VM.

Main Methods:

• Diagnosis of 50 VM patients based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition criteria.
• Clinical examination within a neurological department setting.
• Analysis of clinical features, medical history, and objective signs for differential diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Significant challenges identified in outpatient diagnosis and treatment of VM.
• Many patients received incorrect diagnoses, delaying appropriate management.
• Clinical features and history are vital for differentiating VM from other dizziness disorders.
• Guideline-based and research-informed treatment strategies demonstrated efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Increased awareness and dissemination of information on VM are essential due to its underdiagnosis.
• Understanding clinical presentations aids in accurate diagnosis and differential diagnosis.
• Adherence to established guidelines and recent research is recommended for optimal VM treatment.