The clinical manifestations of vestibular migraine: A review

Abstract

Objectives: To provide an overview of vestibular migraines presentation, pathology, and diagnosis, as well as an update on current diagnostic criteria.

Methods: A review of the most recent literature on vestibular migraines was performed.

Results: Vestibular migraine is a process with significant impact on the quality of life for those afflicted with the disease, with attacks of spontaneous or positional vertigo and migraine symptoms lasting several minutes to 72h. Inner ear disease can co-exist with migraine and the vestibular symptoms occurring with vestibular migraine can mimic inner ear disorders providing a challenge for clinicians in establishing diagnosis. Recent diagnostic criteria for vestibular migraine proposed by a joint committee of the Bárány Society and the International Headache Society provide an important standard for clinical diagnosis and research endeavor.

Conclusion: Vestibular migraine is a challenging disease process to both diagnose and treat. Proper diagnosis and treatment requires a thorough understanding of the current literature.

Keywords: Dizziness; Migraine; Vertigo; Vestibular disorders; Vestibular migraine.