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Published on: August 4, 2022
[Osmophobia and vestibular migraine]
Alejandro Garcia1, Sebastian Rivera Retamal2, Bernardita Alvear3
1Médico, Postdoctoral Fellow, Departamento de Otorrinolaringología, Eaton Peabody Laboratories. Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.. alejandro_garcia@meei.harvard.edu.
Osmophobia, an olfactory sensitivity, is often underdiagnosed in vestibular migraine patients. This study found 5%-12% of vestibular migraine sufferers reported osmophobia, suggesting a need for further research into this association.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Vestibular migraine is a common cause of dizziness and vertigo.
- Common symptoms include headache, photophobia, and phonophobia.
- Osmophobia, or sensitivity to odors, is frequently reported but often overlooked.
Observation:
- A literature review identified 12 relevant articles published between 2011 and 2021.
- Only two studies provided data on osmophobia in vestibular migraine patients.
- Data from 277 individuals indicated a 5%-12% prevalence of osmophobia.
Findings:
- Osmophobia appears to be underdiagnosed and underreported in individuals with vestibular migraine.
- A single case report extensively detailed the link between vestibular migraine and osmophobia.
- The clinical interaction and frequency of osmophobia in vestibular migraine require further investigation.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of osmophobia in vestibular migraine may improve diagnosis and patient care.
- Further research is crucial to understand the pathophysiology and clinical significance of this association.
- Clinicians should consider screening for osmophobia in patients presenting with vestibular migraine symptoms.
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