How caloric vestibular irritation influences migraine attacks

Abstract

Stimulation of the vestibular system by cold irritation of the ear was performed in 12 patients during a migraine attack. In eleven of the subjects the headache was changed. The changes varied from completely disappeared to a slight decrease. The duration of the changes was either several minutes, during the vestibular irritation, or days. All changes were related to the induced sensation of vertigo. We discuss the probable mechanisms of these vestibular influences.