Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Surgical Induction of Endolymphatic Hydrops by Obliteration of the Endolymphatic Duct
11:49

Surgical Induction of Endolymphatic Hydrops by Obliteration of the Endolymphatic Duct

Published on: January 22, 2010

Endolymphatic hydrops in patients with migraine: a correlative study

Anne R J Péporté1, Fabian Schön2, Gustav Andreisek2,3

  • 1Department of Radiology, Cantonal Hospital Frauenfeld, Frauenfeld, Switzerland.

Frontiers in Neurology
|July 11, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Endolymphatic hydrops (EH) severity did not correlate with migraine brain biomarkers on MRI scans. These findings suggest EH and migraine-related brain changes are distinct imaging phenomena.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Endolymphatic hydrops (EH) is the pathological hallmark of Menière's disease (MD).
  • Delayed phase 3 Tesla MRI is used to visualize EH.
  • Migraine is associated with specific brain imaging biomarkers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between the severity of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) and established migraine brain biomarkers using MRI.
  • To explore potential associations between EH and cranial nerve volumes in patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 108 inner ear MRIs from 144 scans.
  • Two blinded radiologists graded EH severity and assessed migraine markers (WML, enlarged perivascular spaces).
  • Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine associations.

Main Results:

  • No significant associations were found between EH severity and migraine biomarkers or cranial nerve volumes (p > 0.05).
  • Grade 2 vestibular and cochlear EH were predominant.
  • A weak association was noted between grade 1 left vestibular EH and sudden hearing loss, and grade 1 left cochlear EH and aural fullness.

Conclusions:

  • Endolymphatic hydrops severity is not associated with migraine-related MRI biomarkers.
  • EH and migraine-associated structural brain changes may be distinct imaging findings.
  • Further research is needed to understand the relationship between inner ear disorders and neurological conditions.
Keywords:
MRIMénière’s disease (MD)endolymphatic hydrops (EH)infratentorial microbleedsmigraine imaging biomarkersperivascular spacesvestibulocochlear disorderswhite matter lesions (WML)

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