Migraine features in patients with Meniere's disease

Mendelian randomization analysis does not reveal a causal association between migraine and Meniere's disease

Background

According to observational research, migraine may increase the risk of Meniere's disease (MD). The two have not, however, been proven to be causally related.

Methods

Using Mendelian random (MR) analysis, we aimed to evaluate any potential causal relationship between migraine and MD. We extracted single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involving European individuals, focusing on migraine and MD. The main technique used to evaluate effect estimates was inverse-variance weighting (IVW). To assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy, sensitivity analyses were carried out using weighted median, MR-Egger, simple mode, weighted mode, and MR-PRESSO.

Results

There was no discernible causative link between genetic vulnerability to MD and migraine. The migraine dose not increase the prevalence of MD in the random-effects IVW method (OR = 0.551, P = 0.825). The extra weighted median analysis (OR = 0.674, P = 0.909), MR-Egger (OR = 0.068, P = 0.806), Simple mode (OR = 0.170, P = 0.737), and Weighted mode (OR = 0.219, P= 0.760) all showed largely consistent results. The MD dose not increase the prevalence of migraine in the random-effects IVW method (OR = 0.999, P = 0.020). The extra weighted median analysis (OR = 0.999, P = 0.909), MR-Egger (OR = 0.999, P = 0.806), Simple mode (OR = 0.999, P = 0.737), and Weighted mode (OR = 1.000, P = 0.760).

Conclusion and significance

This Mendelian randomization study provides casual evidence that migraine is not a risk factor for MD and MD is also not a risk factor for migraine.

Meniere's disease is a manifestation of migraine

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss the theory that Meniere's disease (MD) is a variation of otologic migraine rather than an isolated inner ear condition.

RECENT FINDINGS

In contrast to the approximately 12% of the general population suffering from migraine headaches, 51-60% of patients with MD experience migraine headaches. While pathognomonic for MD, endolymphatic hydrops has also been identified in patients with vestibular migraine. Treatment with the integrative neurosensory rehabilitation approach (diet and lifestyle changes, magnesium and riboflavin supplementation, and when needed, prophylactic medication) to treat the underlying migraine process has been highly effective in patients with MD.

SUMMARY

MD can be understood as a manifestation of migraine such that patients with MD can be effectively treated with migraine therapies.

Spinning Through History: Evolution of the Concept of Vestibular Migraine

Vestibular migraine represents a growing public health problem, imposing enormous societal burdens in the form of patient suffering, loss of productivity, and direct healthcare costs. This raises the question of how we developed our ideas about vestibular migraine and how these ideas shape how we treat it. This review walks through the history of how our conceptualization of migraine and vestibular symptoms evolved, starting with clinical observations in ancient times, inclusion under the umbrella of Meniere's disease, and then separation from Meniere's disease with its own identity. Tradition, clinical observations, and diagnostic criteria developed by professional societies have played prominent roles in building our current concept of vestibular migraine. A review of the ideas that have shaped our current conception of vestibular migraine may help us to see which ones have stood the test of time and which ones should continue to evolve. As in other disciplines, we study history in medicine to be inspired, warned, and sometimes, to be freed.

Problem of headache: A cross-sectional study

Objectives

To assess the medical students, interns, general practitioners, and family physicians' perception of neurological and otolaryngeal causes of headaches.

Materials and Methods

A prospective, qualitative, questionnaire-based cross-sectional study took place. Five hundred and seventy-one senior medical students, interns, general practitioners (GPs), and family physicians from different geographical regions in Saudi Arabia were involved in the study. An online questionnaire is used to estimate the respondents' knowledge regarding neurological and otolaryngeal causes of headaches. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Results

Five hundred and seventy-one participants were involved in the study. They were 377 females and 194 males with a female-to-male ratio of 1.9:1. Most of them were medical students (69.9%). However, medical interns, general practitioners, and family physicians' respondents were (17.3%), (7.5%), and (5.3%), respectively. They constituted different geographical regions of Saudi Arabia. An average level of knowledge about headaches was recorded in (55%) of the participants, while (42.7%) had a good level of knowledge about its etiologies.

Conclusions

A considerable percentage of the current study population has average knowledge about neurological and otolaryngeal factors of headache. It is advocated that the current national medical curriculum be thoroughly reviewed and clear referral pathways must be established to have better management of these cases.

Clinical characteristics of visual motion hypersensitivity: a systematic review

This qualitative systematic review presents an overview of the state of the research relating to visual motion hypersensitivity (VMH) and offers a reference tool for future studies in the field. The study set out to identify and collate articles investigating risk groups with aberrant responses to visual motion as compared to healthy control groups, presenting evidence for risk factors associated with visual motion hypersensitivity. Data were synthesized into the state of the research and analyzed in the context of the clinical characteristics of each risk factor. Literature searches were performed on Medline Ovid, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cinahl, identifying a total of 586 studies of which 54 were finally included. Original articles published between the dates of commencement for each database and 19th January 2021 were included. JBI critical appraisal tools were implemented for each corresponding article type. In total, the following number of studies was identified for each respective risk factor: age (n = 6), migraines (n = 8), concussions (n = 8), vestibular disorders (n = 13), psychiatric conditions (n = 5), and Parkinson's disease (n = 5). Several studies described VMH as the primary concern (n = 6), though these primarily included patients with vestibulopathies. There were considerable differences in the nomenclature employed to describe VMH, depending largely on the investigating group. An overview of investigated risk factors and their evaluation methods was presented in a Sankey diagram. Posturography was the most implemented methodology but due to diverse measurements meta-analyses were not possible. One may however note that while the easily implemented Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) was designed for concussed patients, it may prove useful for other risk groups.

Treatment of Stapedial Myoclonus as a Migraine-Related Phenomenon

OBJECTIVE

To describe a case series of patients with stapedial myoclonus (SM) whose conditions improved after prophylactic migraine treatment.

PATIENTS

We present seven cases of SM reported from a tertiary care neurotology clinic. All seven patients reported SM triggers similar to those of migraine headaches and suffered from concomitant headaches and/or vertigo, and were thus treated with a standard migraine protocol used at this neurotology clinic.

INTERVENTION

Prophylactic migraine treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Reduction or resolution of SM.

RESULTS

In this series, seven patients with SM were included. Six of seven subjects were male (86%), with a mean age at presentation of 44 years. Four patients noted significant improvement in their symptoms, with a reduced frequency, duration, and intensity of their symptoms with the migraine regimen. Three patients experienced complete resolution of SM with their migraine treatment.

CONCLUSION

We report that treatment with prophylactic migraine treatment can provide long-term relief for patients with SM, which may suggest an etiological association between migraine and SM as well as a possible treatment for SM.

Vestibular migraine or Meniere's disease: a diagnostic dilemma

Meniere's disease (MD) represents one of the vertigo disorders characterized by triad symptoms (recurrent vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus or ear fullness). The diagnosis of MD relies on the accurate and detailed taking of medical history, and the differentiation between MD and vestibular migraine (VM) is of critical importance from the perspective of the treatment efficacy. VM is a highly prevalent vertigo condition and its typical symptoms (headache, vestibular symptoms, cochlear symptoms) mimic those of MD. Furthermore, the misdiagnosis in MD and VM could lead to VM patients mistakenly receiving the traumatic treatment protocol designed for MD, and sustaining unnecessary damage to the inner ear. Fortunately, thanks to the advances in examination technologies, the barriers to their differentiation are being gradually removed. These advances enhance the diagnostic accuracy of vertigo diseases, especially VM and MD. This review focused on the differentiation of VM and MD, with an attempt to synthesize existing data on the relevant battery of differentiation diagnosis (covering core symptoms, auxiliary tests [audiometry, vestibular tests, endolymphatic hydrops tests]) and longitudinal follow-up. Since the two illnesses are overlapped in all aspects, no single test is sufficiently specific on its own, however, patterns containing all or at least some features boost specificity.

Functional and Molecular Markers for Hearing Loss and Vertigo Attacks in Meniere's Disease

Meniere's disease (MD) is one of the most complicated diseases in the otologic clinic. The complexity of MD is partially due to the multifactorial etiological mechanisms and the heterogenous symptoms, including episodic vertigo, hearing loss, aural fullness and tinnitus. As a result, the diagnosis of MD and differentiating MD from other diseases with similar symptoms, such as vestibular migraine (VM), is challenging. In addition, it is difficult to predict the progression of hearing loss and the frequency of vertigo attacks. Detailed studies have revealed that functional markers, such as pure tone audiometry (PTA), electrocochleography (ECochG), vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP), caloric test, video head impulse test (vHIT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could help to evaluate MD with different hearing levels and frequency of vertigo attacks. Investigations of molecular markers such as autoimmunity, inflammation, protein signatures, vasopressin and circadian clock genes in MD are still underway. This review will summarize these functional and molecular markers, address how these markers are associated with hearing loss and vertigo attacks in MD, and analyze the results of the markers between MD and VM.

Characteristics of clinical details and endolymphatic hydrops in unilateral and bilateral Ménière's disease in a single Asian group

Objectives

To elucidate the characteristics of the clinical details and endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in bilateral Ménière's disease (BMD).

Methods

A total of 545 patients with definite MD were enrolled. Demographic variables; the age of onset; disease course; inner ear function; the coexistence of related disorders such as migraine, delayed MD, drop attacks, and autoimmune diseases; familial history; and characteristics of EH were analyzed.

Results

In the study population, the prevalence of BMD was 15.4%. The disease duration of BMD (84.0 ± 89.6 months) was significantly longer than that of unilateral MD (UMD, 60.1 ± 94.0 months) (P = 0.001). As evaluated by hearing thresholds and cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, inner ear functions were more deteriorated in BMD (P < 0.05) than in UMD. The proportions of delayed MD and a family history of vertigo were significantly larger in BMD (P < 0.05). EH was observed in 100% of cases on the clinically affected side and 6.1% of cases on the unaffected side.

Conclusion

A low prevalence of BMD, longer disease duration, higher frequencies of delayed MD, and family history of vertigo in patients with BMD were significant findings observed in the present study. All affected ears presented with EH, and a low percentage of unaffected sides presented with EH.

Development and Validation of the Predictive Model for the Differentiation between Vestibular Migraine and Meniere's Disease

(1) Background: Vestibular migraine (VM) and Meniere’s disease (MD) share multiple features in terms of clinical presentations and auditory-vestibular dysfunctions, e.g., vertigo, hearing loss, and headache. Therefore, differentiation between VM and MD is of great significance. (2) Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 110 patients with VM and 110 patients with MD. We at first established a regression equation by using logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predicted value (PV), and negative PV of screened parameters were assessed and intuitively displayed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve). Then, two visualization tools, i.e., nomograph and applet, were established for convenience of clinicians. Furthermore, other patients with VM or MD were recruited to validate the power of the equation by ROC curve and the Gruppo Italiano per la Valutazione degli Interventi in Terapia Intensiva (GiViTI) calibration belt. (3) Results: The clinical manifestations and auditory-vestibular functions could help differentiate VM from MD, including attack frequency (X5), phonophobia (X13), electrocochleogram (ECochG) (X18), head-shaking test (HST) (X23), ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (o-VEMP) (X27), and horizontal gain of vestibular autorotation test (VAT) (X30). On the basis of statistically significant parameters screened by Chi-square test and multivariable double logistic regression analysis, we established a regression equation: P = 1/[1 + e^{−(−2.269× X5 − 2.395× X13 + 2.141× X18 + 3.949 × X23 + 2.798× X27 − 4.275× X30(1) − 5.811× X30(2) + 0.873)}] (P, predictive value; e, natural logarithm). Nomographs and applets were used to visualize our result. After validation, the prediction model showed good discriminative power and calibrating power. (4) Conclusions: Our study suggested that a diagnostic algorithm based on available clinical features and an auditory-vestibular function regression equation is clinically effective and feasible as a differentiating tool and could improve the differential diagnosis between VM and MD.

A longitudinal study of unilateral Ménière's disease and clinical evolutionary models

OBJECTIVE

The heterogeneity of Ménière's disease is presently defined by a variety of subtypes. This study introduced three different subtypes of unilateral Ménière's disease based on the evolution of vertigo crises from their inception.

METHOD

A longitudinal descriptive study of 327 unilateral Ménière's disease patients was performed. In a subgroup of patients followed from the onset of the disease, 3 subtypes of unilateral Ménière's disease were defined according to the vertiginous crises suffered during the first 10 years of the disorder.

RESULTS

Data was available for 87 patients with unilateral Ménière's disease from the start of their disease (26.6 per cent of the original sample). These patients were grouped into three models according to their symptomatic evolution. Model 3 was associated with a worse hearing prognosis, a greater number of Tumarkin's otolithic crises and the need for surgery. Model 1 presented less hearing loss.

CONCLUSION

Unilateral Ménière's disease models based on the evolution of vertiginous crises present differences according to aspects such as hearing loss, vertiginous crisis, Tumarkin's otolithic crisis and the need for surgery.

Association Between Meniere Disease and Migraine

Importance

A connection between Meniere disease (MD) and migraine has been proposed, but the temporal association remains unknown.

Objective

To examine the bidirectional association of MD with migraine.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This case-control study included participants 40 years or older from the Korean National Health Insurance Service Health Screening Cohort from 2002 to 2015.

Main Outcomes and Measures

A total of 6919 patients with MD were matched with 27 676 control participants without MD for age, sex, income, region of residence, and index date. The incidence of migraine was analyzed in the MD and matched groups using a stratified Cox proportional hazard regression model. In addition, 35 889 patients with migraine were matched with 71 778 control participants without migraine. The incidence of MD was analyzed using a stratified Cox proportional hazard regression model.

Results

Of 142 262 total participants, 94 611 (66.5%) were women. Migraine occurred in 695 of 6919 patients with MD (10.0%) and 970 of 27 676 matched control participants (3.5%). The MD group demonstrated a 2.22-fold higher risk of migraine than the matched control group (95% CI, 1.99-2.49). Meniere disease was present in 1098 of 35 889 patients with migraine (3.1%) and 781 of 71 778 matched control participants (1.1%). The migraine group had a 1.95-fold higher risk of MD than the matched control group (95% CI, 1.77-2.15).

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this case-control study suggest that patients with MD had a greater risk of migraine occurrence. Furthermore, patients with migraine had a higher risk of MD. Based on the bidirectional association, therapeutics for migraine could potentially be applied to MD and vice versa.

Non-contrast MRI of Inner Ear Detected Differences of Endolymphatic Drainage System Between Vestibular Migraine and Unilateral Ménière's Disease

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of some anatomical variables with regard to endolymphatic sac (ES) and duct (ED), measured by non-contrast three-dimensional sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolutions (3D-SPACE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in differentiating vestibular migraine (VM) from unilateral Ménière's disease (MD).

Methods

In this study, 81 patients with VM, 97 patients with unilateral MD, and 50 control subjects were enrolled. The MRI-visualized parameters, such as the distance between the vertical part of the posterior semicircular canal and the posterior fossa (MRI-PP distance) and visibility of vestibular aqueduct (MRI-VA), were measured bilaterally. The diagnostic value of the MRI-PP distance and MRI-VA visibility for differentiating VM from unilateral MD was examined.

Results

(1) Compared with the VM patients, patients with unilateral MD exhibited shorter MRI-PP distance and poorer MRI-VA visibility. No differences in the MRI-PP distance and MRI-VA visibility were detected between patients with VM and control subjects. (2) No significant interaural difference in the MRI-PP distance and MRI-VA visibility was observed in patients with VM and those with unilateral MD, respectively. (3) Area under the curve (AUC) showed a low diagnostic value for the MRI-PP distance and MRI-VA visibility, respectively, in differentiating between the VM and unilateral MD.

Conclusions

Based on non-enhanced MRI-visualized measurement, anatomical variables with regard to the endolymphatic drainage system differed significantly between the patients with VM and those with unilateral MD. Further investigations are needed to improve the diagnostic value of these indices in differentiating VM from unilateral MD.

Factors determining the response to treatment in patients with vestibular migraine

PURPOSE

To find out clinical features associated with poor response to treatment in vestibular migraine (VM).

METHODS

VM patients treated with drugs recommended in migraine prophylaxis were included in this multicenter study. Migraine features including type, age of onset of headache and vertigo attacks, attack frequency, intensity, associated symptoms, triggering factors, presence of interictal dizziness/imbalance, anxiety, depression, history of motion sickness, and family history of migraine were noted. Amitriptyline, flunarizine, propranolol, topiramate and venlafaxine were chosen depending on patients' individual requirements. Maximum dose of each drug was tried for 2 months to decide its efficacy. In the case of inefficacy, it was changed with another preventive drug of different class. If there was still no improvement, two drugs of different classes were combined. ≥ 50% reduction in attack frequency and severity in patients using one drug and a combination of two drugs was compared, with patients showing <50% reduction despite combination therapy, regarding their clinical features.

RESULTS

The results of 430 VM patients, 65 men and 365 women with a mean age of 42.2 ± 12.2 years (range: 17-74 years), were analyzed.

CONCLUSION

Cutaneous allodynia frequently associated with female sex, comorbid anxiety and depression and interictal dizziness/imbalance enhanced with comorbid anxiety were risk factors for reduced treatment response. Aural fullness might be the clue of impending concomitant Meniere's disease not responding to migraine preventives.

Pathogenesis and Etiology of Ménière Disease: A Scoping Review of a Century of Evidence

Importance

Ménière disease is a rare chronic benign disorder of the inner ear with a natural history of multiple clinical phenotypes of variable severity and a tendency to burnout with time. Although multiple treatment modalities have been shown to improve the disease process-some adversely affecting cochleovestibular function-it remains uncertain whether one, several separate, or a combination of pathophysiologic mechanisms affect the disease process. A scoping review of the evidence underlying proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms of Ménière disease is needed to determine which processes are most likely to be etiopathogenic factors.

Observations

Of the 4602 relevant articles found through Embase, Ovid, and PubMed, 444 met inclusion criteria. The most common reported causes of Ménière disease were autoimmune or immune-mediated, genetic, or structural dysfunction of the inner ear. During the study period from inception to March 2021, etiologic theories shifted from structural dysfunction to autoimmune and genetic causes of Ménière disease.

Conclusions and Relevance

This scoping review found that Ménière disease is a multifactorial disease with lifelong comorbidities and loss of quality-associated life-years whose most commonly reported causes were structural dysfunction, immunologic damage, and genetic susceptibility. Recent studies have examined how autoinflammatory processes and vestibular migraine may be associated with Ménière disease. Large heterogeneity among studies may be explained by historical differences in the clinical understanding of the disease, as well as evolving intervention methodologies and practitioner expertise. Ménière disease is a multifactorial disease with lifelong comorbidities and loss of quality-associated life-years; therefore, future studies of reliable biomarkers of endolymphatic hydrops and real-time imaging are warranted to improve understanding and treatment.

[Comorbidity in migraine]

Migraine is a common and often disabling disease with a prominent genetic basis. There are many comorbidities associated with migraine which have been identified as risk factors for progression to chronic migraine. Each of these has its own genetic load and shares some common characteristics with migraine. The identification of migraine comorbidities may help clarify common underlying genetic and biological mechanisms of diseases. The treatment of migraine should involve a multifaceted approach, aimed at identifying and reducing possible risk and comorbidity factors. This may prevent the evolution toward a chronic form and then toward pharmacological resistance.

Outcomes of Endolymphatic Sac Surgery for Meniere's Disease with and without Comorbid Migraine

Purpose

To explore outcomes of endolymphatic sac surgery for patients with Meniere's disease with and without the comorbid condition of migraine.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective chart review of adult patients undergoing endolymphatic sac surgery at a single tertiary care center from 1987 to 2019 was performed. All adult patients who failed medical therapy and underwent primary endolymphatic sac surgery were included. The main outcome measures were vertigo control and functional level scale (FLS) score. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, and audiometric outcomes were tracked as well.

Results

Patients with Meniere's disease and migraine had a stronger association with psychiatric comorbidities (64.29% vs. 25.80%, p=0.01), shorter duration of vertigo episodes (143 vs. 393 min, p=0.02), and younger age (36.6 vs. 50.8 yr, p=0.005) at the time of endolymphatic sac surgery. Postoperative pure tone averages and word recognition scores were nearly identical to preoperative baselines. Class A vertigo control (47.92%) was most common, followed by class B vertigo control (31.25%). The FLS score improved from 4.2 to 2.8 (p < 0.001). Both patients with and without migraine had classes A-B vertigo control (66.67% vs. 80.95%) without any statistically significant difference (p=0.59). Of the patients who required secondary treatment (10.42%), none had migraine.

Conclusions

Endolymphatic sac surgery is an effective surgical intervention for Meniere's disease with and without migraine. Patients with comorbid migraine tend to be younger and present with psychiatric comorbidities.

Risk of Vestibulocochlear Disorders in Patients with Migraine or Non-Migraine Headache

Headaches, especially migraines, have been associated with various vestibular symptoms and syndromes. Tinnitus and hearing loss have also been reported to be more prevalent among migraineurs. However, whether headaches, including migraine or non-migraine headaches (nMH), are associated with vestibular and cochlear disorders remains unclear. Thus, we sought to investigate possible associations between headache and vestibulocochlear disorders. We analyzed 10 years of data from the Smart Clinical Data Warehouse. In patients with migraines and nMH, meniere’s disease (MD), BPPV, vestibular neuronitis (VN) and cochlear disorders, such as sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and tinnitus, were collected and compared to clinical data from controls who had health check-ups without headache. Participants included 15,128 with migraines, 76,773 patients with nMH and controls were identified based on propensity score matching (PSM). After PSM, the odds ratios (OR) in subjects with migraine versus controls were 2.59 for MD, 2.05 for BPPV, 2.98 for VN, 1.74 for SNHL, and 1.97 for tinnitus, respectively (p < 0.001). The OR for MD (1.77), BPPV (1.73), VN (2.05), SNHL (1.40), and tinnitus (1.70) in patients with nMH was also high after matching (p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that migraines and nMH are associated with an increased risk of cochlear disorders in addition to vestibular disorders.

Tinnitus and Subjective Hearing Loss are More Common in Migraine: A Cross-Sectional NHANES Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether migraine is independently associated with tinnitus and subjective hearing loss (HL) in a large national database.

METHODS

The de-identified 1999 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database was retrospectively queried for subjects aged 18 to 65. HL and tinnitus were subjectively reported by subjects.

RESULTS

A total of 12,962 subjects (52.9% female) with a mean age of 38.1 ± 14.6 years were included. This consisted of 2,657 (20.5%), 2,344 (18.1%), and 2,582 (19.9%) subjects who had migraine, subjective-HL, and tinnitus, respectively. In patients with tinnitus or subjective-HL, migraine was reported in 35.6% and 24.5%, respectively. Migraineurs were more likely to have subjective-HL (25.0% vs. 16.6%, p < 0.001) and tinnitus (34.6% vs. 16.9%, p < 0.001) compared to the nonmigraineurs. This corresponded to migraine having an odds ratio of 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-1.7, p < 0.001) and 2.2 (95% CI 2.0-2.4, p < 0.001) for subjective-HL and tinnitus, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, subjective-HL (odds ratio [OR] = 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.4, p = 0.003), tinnitus (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.9-2.3, p < 0.001), and neck pain (OR = 4.0, 95% CI 3.6-4.5, p < 0.001) were more common in migraineurs. Among migraineurs, a higher proportion of those with tinnitus also had subjective-HL compared to those without tinnitus (40.0% vs. 15.3%, p < 0.001), and a higher proportion of those with subjective-HL also had tinnitus compared to those without HL (58.1% vs. 27.3%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests an independent association between migraine with subjective-HL and tinnitus. Otologic migraine, which is the effects of migraine on the ear, may be partly responsible for the link between HL, tinnitus, neck pain, and migraine.

Episodic versus Chronic Dizziness: An Analysis of Predictive Factors

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between patients with episodic and chronic dizziness.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, observational study of 217 adults referred for dizziness at 1 tertiary center was undertaken. Subjects were split into a chronic dizziness group (>15 dizzy days per month) and an episodic dizziness group (<15 dizzy days per month).

RESULTS

217 adults (average age, 53.7 years; 56.7% female) participated. One-third (n = 74) met criteria for chronic dizziness. Dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) scores were significantly higher in those with chronic dizziness compared to those with episodic dizziness (53.9 vs 40.7; P < .001). Comorbid depression and anxiety were more prevalent in those with chronic dizziness (44.6% and 47.3% vs 37.8% and 35.7%, respectively; P > .05). Abnormal vestibular testing and abnormal imaging studies did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Ménière's disease and BPPV were significantly more common among those with episodic dizziness, while the prevalence of vestibular migraine did not differ according to chronicity of symptoms. A multivariate regression that included age, sex, DHI, history of anxiety and/or depression, associated symptoms, and dizziness triggers was able to account for 15% of the variance in the chronicity of dizziness (pseudo-R² = 0.15; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Those who suffer from chronic dizziness have significantly higher DHI and high comorbid rates of depression and anxiety than those with episodic dizziness. Our findings show that factors other than diagnosis alone are important in the chronification of dizziness, an observation that could help improve on multimodal treatment options for this group of patients.

Comparison of Electrocochleography and Video Head Impulse Test findings in Vestibular Migraine and Ménière Disease: A Preliminary Study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate electrophysiological findings among patients with vestibular migraine (VM) and to compare them with those of patients suffering from definite Ménière disease (MD) without migraine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one consecutive patients suffering from VM were enrolled; all subjects were selected according to the criteria proposed by the Bàràny Society for Neuro-otology. Each patient underwent a careful otological and neurotological examination. After completing a questionnaire regarding migraine and vertigo complaints, they were assessed by audiometric testing, video head impulse test (vHIT), and electrocochleography (EcochG). Data were compared with those of 21 patients who fulfilled the criteria for definite MD.

RESULTS

52.38% of the patients with VM suffered from at least two episodes of migraine per week, with 42.85% of the subjects complaining of migraines lasting ≥24 hours. 57.14% of the patients reported at least four episodes of vertigo per month, whereas 61.9% suffered from symptoms of chronic unsteadiness. No significant difference (p=0.76) resulted from the comparison of vHIT gain between patients with VM and MD. Eleven out of 21 patients (52.38%) with definite MD presented at least one ear with SP/AP >0.4, differently from patients with VM who exhibited SP/AP values suggestive of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in only three cases (14.28%).

CONCLUSION

The present study found a higher proportion of abnormal EcochG in MD than in VM (p=0.02) without any significant difference in the vHIT gain. On the basis of our findings, the identification of EH in some patients with VM cannot be definitely related to the same pathway that triggers MD symptoms. Future research may help in better understanding whether abnormal EcochG findings can predict the occurrence of MD among patients with VM.

Migraine Features in Patients with Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the presence of migraine features in patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD).

METHODS

In a retrospective survey study, consecutive patients presenting to a tertiary care neurotology clinic during an 18-month period were given questionnaires about headache and dizziness symptoms. The survey responses plus history and examination of the patient were used to diagnose patients with PPPD. The prevalence of migraine headache, vestibular migraine (VM), and migraine characteristics was evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 36 subjects with PPPD were included in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 56 ± 16 years with a female (72%) predominance. A total of 19 (53%) patients met the International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria for migraine headache, and 6 of those (17%) met the criteria for definite VM. Of the patients who did not meet full migraine headache criteria, 6 (17%) patients met 4 of 5 criteria, and 5 (14%) patients met 3 of 5 criteria. There was no significant difference between PPPD patients who fulfilled full migraine headache criteria and those who did not in sensitivity to light, sound, smells, weather changes, feelings of mental fog/confusion, and sinus pain/facial pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that a majority of patients with PPPD fulfill the criteria for migraine headache. A large proportion of PPPD patients who do not meet the full criteria for migraine headache still meet a majority of the migraine headache criteria. This suggests an association between the 2 conditions. PPPD may be a part of the spectrum of otologic migraine, where migraine manifests as otologic symptoms.

[Various types of vertigo and balance disorders in patients with Meniere's disease]

Vertigo and balance disorders in Meniere's disease (MD) may have various etiology. The aim of the review is discussing pathogenetic mechanisms of the typical vertiginous paroxysms in MD, resulting from endolymphatic hydrops as well as analysis of etiology, pathogenesis, clinical course and basic treatment of paroxysmal and permanent forms of vertigo and balance disorders, caused by other conditions, associated with MD. We discussed the course of MD complicated by vestibular migraine, benign positional paroxysmal vertigo, functional dizziness, bilateral vestibulopathy and vestibular drop-attacks.

The "hype" of hydrops in classifying vestibular disorders: a narrative review

Background

Classifying and diagnosing peripheral vestibular disorders based on their symptoms is challenging due to possible symptom overlap or atypical clinical presentation. To improve the diagnostic trajectory, gadolinium-based contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the inner ear is nowadays frequently used for the in vivo confirmation of endolymphatic hydrops in humans. However, hydrops is visualized in both healthy subjects and patients with vestibular disorders, which might make the clinical value of hydrops detection on MRI questionable.

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic value of clinical and radiological features, including the in vivo visualization of endolymphatic hydrops, for the classification and diagnosis of vestibular disorders.

Methods

A literature search was performed in February and March 2019 to estimate the prevalence of various features in healthy subjects and in common vestibular disorders to make a graphical comparison between healthy and abnormal.

Results

Of the features studied, hydrops was found to be a highly prevalent feature in Menière’s disease (99.4%). Though, hydrops has also a relatively high prevalence in patients with vestibular schwannoma (48.2%) and in healthy temporal bones (12.5%) as well. In patients diagnosed with (definite or probable) Menière’s disease, hydrops is less frequently diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging compared to the histological confirmation (82.3% versus 99.4%). The mean prevalence of radiologically diagnosed hydrops was 31% in healthy subjects, 28.1% in patients with vestibular migraine, and 25.9% in patients with vestibular schwannoma. An interesting finding was an absolute difference in hydrops prevalence between the two diagnostic techniques (histology and radiology) of 25.2% in patients with Menière’s disease and 29% in patients with vestibular schwannoma.

Conclusions

Although the visualization of hydrops has a high diagnostic value in patients with definite Menière’s disease, it is important to appreciate the relatively high prevalence of hydrops in healthy populations and other vestibular disorders. Endolymphatic hydrops is not a pathognomic phenomenon, and detecting hydrops should not directly indicate a diagnosis of Menière’s disease. Both symptom-driven and hydrops-based classification systems have disadvantages. Therefore, it might be worth to explore features “beyond” hydrops. New analysis techniques, such as Radiomics, might play an essential role in (re)classifying vestibular disorders in the future.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00415-020-10278-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Menière's disease caused by CGRP - A new hypothesis explaining etiology and pathophysiology. Redirecting Menière's syndrome to Menière's disease

This paper provides a new hypothetical explanation for the etiopathology and pathophysiology of Menière's Disease (MD), which to date remain unexplained, or incompletely understood. The suggested hypothesis will explain the close connection of MD and Migraine, the coexistence of endolymphatic hydrops (ELH) and Menière attacks and the signs of inflammation detected in the inner ears of MD patients. Although as yet unproven, the explanations provided appear highly plausible and could pave the way for the generation of the first animal model of MD - an invaluable asset for developing new treatment strategies. Furthermore, if proven correct, this hypothesis could redefine and also reset the actual name of Menière's Syndrome to Menière's Disease.

Perilymphatic Fistula: A Review of Classification, Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

A perilymphatic fistula (PLF) is an abnormal communication between the perilymph-filled inner ear and the middle ear cavity, mastoid, or intracranial cavity. A PLF most commonly forms when the integrity of the oval or round window is compromised, and it may be trauma-induced or may occur with no known cause (idiopathic). Controversy regarding the diagnosis of idiopathic PLF has persisted for decades, and the presenting symptoms may be vague. However, potential exists for this condition to be one of the few etiologies of dizziness, tinnitus, and hearing loss that can be treated surgically. The aim of this review is to provide an update on classification, diagnosis, and treatment of PLF. Particular attention will be paid to idiopathic PLF and conditions that may have a similar presentation, with subsequent information on how best to distinguish them. Novel diagnostic criteria for PLF and management strategy for PLF and PLF-like symptoms is presented.

Phonophobia and migraine features in patients with definite meniere's disease: Pentad or triad/tetrad?

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown different association between migraine and Meniere's disease (MD). Few studies investigated the frequency of phonophobia in MD.Objectives: This study aimed to determine the frequency of phonophobia and other features of migraine in definite MD.Material and Methods: Patients with definite MD and a group of healthy (non-MD, non-vertiginous) control subjects participated. Demographic data and other clinical features of the two diseases recorded. Data analyzed in SPSS software version 20, by qi square and independent T test and logistic regression model.Results: 69 MD patients (average age: 48.87 ± 12.15 years) and 60 control subjects (average age: 47.58 ± 12.05 years) enrolled. The frequency of migraine headache in MD cases was 16% (45% with aura) compared with 5% in control group (three cases; 2 without and 1 with aura) (p < .001). Family history of migraine was the only determinant of the presence of migraine in MD (p = .001, OR = 15.625, 95%CI: 2.94-88.33). The frequency of phonophobia in MD was very high (88.4%: 54.5% in migraine subgroup and 89.6% in non-migraine cases) and without significant relation to existence of migraine, in contrast to photophobia and osmophobia (p = .064).Conclusions: The frequency of migraine in MD is higher than normal subjects. Phonophobia may be an independent symptom in MD.

Adjuvant Migraine Medications in the Treatment of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To examine the hearing outcomes of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) treated with oral and intratympanic (IT) steroid only or a combination of steroid and migraine treatment. Our hypothesis was that adjuvant migraine medications may improve outcomes in SSNHL.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review at a tertiary otology center was conducted to identify patients with SSNHL who received oral steroid and IT dexamethasone injection(s) with or without migraine medications (a combination of nortriptyline and topiramate).

RESULTS

A total of 47 patients received oral steroid and IT dexamethasone injection(s) only, and 46 patients received oral steroid and IT dexamethasone injection(s) as well as migraine lifestyle changes plus a combination of nortriptyline and topiramate. There were no significant differences in demographics and baseline audiometric data between the two groups. Both groups demonstrated improvements in pure tone average (PTA) and hearing thresholds at 250 Hz and 8000 Hz posttreatment. However, compared to steroid-only group, the adjuvant migraine medications group had significantly greater improvements in hearing thresholds at the lower frequencies (250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz). Patients in the latter cohort also had greater improvement in PTA (P = .01) and received fewer IT injections (P = .04) PTA improvement of ≥ 10 dB was observed in 36 patients (78%) in the adjuvant migraine medications group and 22 patients (46%) in the control group (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

In multimodal treatment of SSNHL, supplementing oral and IT steroid with migraine medications may result in greater improvements in lower frequency hearing thresholds and PTA. Furthermore, adjuvant migraine treatment can lead to decrease in number of IT injections, thus reducing procedure-related risks and complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E283-E288, 2021.

Audiological Findings in Patients with Vestibular Migraine and Migraine: History of Migraine May Be a Cause of Low-Tone Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the auditory findings in migraine, vestibular migraine (VM), and healthy controls.

METHODS

Twenty-eight migraine patients (56 ears), 18 VM (36 ears), and 25 healthy controls (50 ears) were included. Audiometry, speech discrimination scores, distortion product optoacoustic emission (DPOAE), and auditory brainstem response were tested.

RESULTS

The pure tone in the VM group showed higher thresholds at lower frequencies (250, 500, 1,000, 2,000 Hz) than the control group, with statistical differences observed (P250 Hz = 0.001, P500 Hz = 0.003, P1,000 Hz = 0.016, P2,000 Hz = 0.002). Compared with the healthy controls, the patients with VM had significantly lower amplitudes of DPOAE at 1 kHz (p < 0.001) and 2 kHz (p = 0.020), and the patients with migraine had lower amplitudes at 2 kHz (p = 0.042). Compared with the control group, the patients with migraine reported prolonged latency of wave V (p = 0.016) and IPL I-V (p = 0.003). The patients with VM had significant prolongation of IPL I-V (p = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

Not only the peripheral, but also the central auditory system was involved in patients with migraine and VM. In particular, lower frequencies of the auditory system were more likely to be involved in VM. The history of migraine may be a cause of low-tone sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

[A role of vascular risk factors in the development of peripheral vestibulopathy]

The development of peripheral vestibular disorders are often thought to be associated with vascular mechanisms, taking into account terminal type of inner ear blood supply and other predisposing factors. A number of studies indicates a high frequency of vascular risk factors in the patients with vestibular neuronitis and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). According to other results, migraine is widely spread among patients with Meniere's disease and BPPV. However currently there is no evidence for casual relationship between vascular factors and development of peripheral vestibulopathy. The only exclusion is labyrinthine infarction, which develops as a result of posterior circulation disorder. More research is needed in this area.

Efficacy of Multi-Modal Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy on Hyperacusis Patients

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of a multi-modal migraine prophylaxis therapy for patients with hyperacusis.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort, patients with hyperacusis were treated with a multi-modal step-wise migraine prophylactic regimen (nortriptyline, verapamil, topiramate, or a combination thereof) as well as lifestyle and dietary modifications. Pre- and post-treatment average loudness discomfort level (LDL), hyperacusis discomfort level measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS), and scores on the modified Khalfa questionnaire for severity of hyperacusis were compared.

RESULTS

Twenty-two of the 25 patients (88%) reported subjective resolution of their symptoms following treatment. Post-treatment audiograms showed significant improvement in average LDL from 81.3 ± 3.2 dB to 86.4 ± 2.6 dB (P < .001), indicating increased sound tolerability. The VAS discomfort level also showed significant improvement from a pre-treatment average of 7.7 ± 1.1 to 3.7 ± 1.6 post-treatment (P < .001). There was also significant improvement in the average total score on modified Khalfa questionnaire (32.2 ± 3.6 vs 22.0 ± 5.7, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients with hyperacusis demonstrated symptomatic improvement from migraine prophylaxis therapy, as indicated by self-reported and audiometric measures. Our findings indicate that, for some patients, hyperacusis may share a pathophysiologic basis with migraine disorder and may be successfully managed with multimodal migraine prophylaxis therapy.

A hypothetical proposal for association between migraine and Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease (MD) is a chronic condition affecting the inner ear whose precise etiology is currently unknown. We propose the hypothesis that MD is a migraine-related phenomenon which may have implications for future treatment options for both diseases. The association between MD and migraine is both an epidemiological and a mechanistic one, with up to 51% of individuals with MD experiencing migraine compared to 12% in the general population. The presence of endolymphatic hydrops in those with MD may be the factor that unites the two conditions, as hydropic inner ears have an impaired ability to maintain homeostasis. Migraine headaches are theorized to cause aura and symptoms via spreading cortical depression that ultimately results in substance P release, alterations in blood flow, and neurogenic inflammation. Chronically hydropic inner ears are less able to auto-regulate against the changes induced by active migraine attacks and may ultimately manifest as MD. This same vulnerability to derangements in homeostasis may also explain the common triggering factors of both MD attacks and migraine headaches, including stress, weather, and diet. Similarly, it may explain the efficacy of common treatments for both diseases: current migraine treatments such as anti-hypertensives and anti-convulsants have shown promise in managing MD. Though the etiology of both MD and migraine is likely multifactorial, further exploration of the association between the two conditions may illuminate how to best manage them in the future. MD is likely a manifestation of cochleovestibular migraine, which occurs as a result of migraine related changes in both the cochlea and vestibule.

Vestibular migraine: An update on current understanding and future directions

BACKGROUND

Vestibular migraine is among the most common causes of recurrent vertigo in the general population. Despite its prevalence and high impact on healthcare cost and utilization, it has remained an under-recognized condition with largely unknown pathophysiology. In the present article, we aim to provide an overview of the current understanding of vestibular migraine.

METHODS

We undertook a narrative literature review on the epidemiology, presentations, clinical and laboratory findings, pathophysiology, and treatments of vestibular migraine.

RESULTS

Currently, the diagnosis of vestibular migraine relies solely on clinical symptoms since clinical tests of vestibular function are typically normal, or difficult to interpret based on inconsistent results reported in earlier studies. The challenges related to diagnosis of vestibular migraine lie in its relatively broad spectrum of manifestations, the absence of typical migraine headaches with vestibular symptoms, and its very recent definition as a distinct entity. Here, we highlight these challenges, discuss common vestibular symptoms and clinical presentations in vestibular migraine, and review the current aspects of its clinical diagnosis and evaluation. The concepts related to the pathophysiology and treatment of vestibular migraine are also discussed.

CONCLUSION

Vestibular migraine is still underdiagnosed clinically. Future studies are needed to address the pathophysiological mechanisms and investigate effective treatment regimens.

[Vascular mechanisms in Meniere's disease]

Meniere's disease (MD) is chronic multifactorial medical condition caused by endolymphatic hydrops, which etiology is unclear. This review highlights possible vascular mechanisms of MD. Impairment of vascular regulation, further ischemic damage of labyrinth and venous drainage pathology could lead to endolymphatic hydrops. Epidemiologic studies reveal high comorbidity of MD and migraine. Both diseases could be the result of trigeminovascular dysfunction. Betahistine, the medication with vascular effect, is widely used in treatment of MD, the effectiveness of calcium channel blockers is evaluated. Keywords: vertigo, Meniere's disease, endolymphatichydrops, migraine, vascular mechanisms, betahistine.

Successful treatment of a child with definite Meniere's disease with the migraine regimen

Emerging evidence suggests substantial overlap between the symptoms of Meniere's disease (MD) and migraine-related cochlear/vestibular disorders. We report a 5-year-old girl with a 6-month history of left-sided hearing loss followed by daily episodes of vertigo, headache, and vomiting who met the criteria for definite MD. The patient became symptom-free and gained near normal hearing levels after starting on a 6-week migraine diet/lifestyle regimen with riboflavin and magnesium. We believe that the symptoms of MD may be primarily due to a vestibular migraine phenomenon. Pediatric MD patients may benefit from migraine lifestyle/dietary changes with control of both cochlear and vestibular symptoms.

The Interrelations Between Different Causes of Dizziness: A Conceptual Framework for Understanding Vestibular Disorders

Background:

According to population-based studies that estimate disease prevalence, the majority of patients evaluated at dizziness clinics receive a single vestibular diagnosis. However, accumulating literature supports the notion that different vestibular disorders are interrelated and often underdiagnosed.

Objective:

Given the complexity and richness of these interrelations, we propose that a more inclusive conceptual framework to vestibular diagnostics that explicitly acknowledges this web of association will better inform vestibular differential diagnosis.

Methods:

A narrative review was performed using PubMed database. Articles were included if they defined a cohort of patients, who were given specific vestibular diagnosis. The interrelations among vestibular disorders were analyzed and placed within a conceptual framework.

Results:

The frequency of patients currently receiving multiple vestibular diagnoses in dizziness clinic is approximately 3.7% (1263/33 968 patients). The most common vestibular diagnoses encountered in the dizziness clinic include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular migraine, vestibular neuritis, and Ménière’s disease.

Conclusions:

A review of the literature demonstrates an intricate web of interconnections among different vestibular disorders such as BPPV, vestibular migraine, Ménière’s disease, vestibular neuritis, bilateral vestibulopathy, superior canal dehiscence syndrome, persistent postural perceptual dizziness, anxiety, head trauma, and aging, among others.

Influence of Visual and Vestibular Hypersensitivity on Derealization and Depersonalization in Chronic Dizziness

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between visual and vestibular hypersensitivity, and Depersonalization/Derealization symptoms in patients with chronic dizziness. Materials and Methods: 319 adult patients with chronic dizziness for more than 3 months (214 females and 105 males, mean age: 58 years, range: 13-90) were included in this prospective cross-sectional study. Patients underwent a complete audio-vestibular workup and 3 auto questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD), Depersonalization/Derealization Inventory (DDI), and an in-house questionnaire (Dizziness in Daily Activity, DDA) assessing 9 activities with a score ranging from 0 (no difficulty) to 10 (maximal discomfort) and 11 (avoidance) to detect patients with visual and vestibular hypersensitivity (VVH, a score > 41 corresponding to mean + 1 standard deviation). Results: DDI scores were higher in case of VVH (6.9 ± 6.79, n = 55 vs. 4.2 ± 4.81, n = 256 without VVH, p < 0.001, unpaired t-test), migraine (6.1 ± 6.40, n = 110 vs. 4.0 ± 4.42, n = 208no migraine, p < 0.001, unpaired t-test), and motion sickness (6.8 ± 5.93, n = 41 vs. 4.4 ± 5.11, n = 277 no motion sickness, p < 0.01, unpaired t-test). Women scored DDI higher than men (5.1 ± 5.42, n = 213 vs. 3.9 ± 4.91, n = 105, respectively, p < 0.05, unpaired t-test). DDI scores were also related to depression and anxiety. DDI score was also higher during spells than during the basal state. Conclusion: During chronic dizziness, Depersonalization/Derealization symptoms seem to be related to anxiety and depression. Moreover, they were prominent in women, in those with visual and vestibular hypersensitivity, migraine, and motion sickness.

Sham-Controlled Study of Optokinetic Stimuli as Treatment for Mal de Debarquement Syndrome

Introduction: Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a condition characterized by a perception of self-motion in the absence of a stimulus, with two onset types: Motion-Triggered and Spontaneous. Currently, the pathophysiology is unknown and consequently, the therapeutic options are limited. One proposed treatment protocol, developed by Dai and colleagues is based on optokinetic stimulation, which aims to re-adapt the vestibular ocular reflex. This study aimed to reproduce the treatment protocol developed by Dai and colleagues and to assess if a placebo effect is present in the treatment protocol and lastly, aimed to further investigate the treatment on MdDS patient outcomes.

Method: Twenty-five MdDS patients (13 Motion-Triggered and 12 Spontaneous) were exposed to 5 consecutive days of optokinetic treatment (consisting of exposure to optokinetic stimuli with head movements). Eleven of these 25 patients were also exposed to 2 days of a sham treatment prior to the OKN treatment. Posturography measurements and reported symptoms [e.g., using the visual analog scale (VAS)] of patients were assessed throughout the treatment. Posturography data of the patients was compared with the data of 20 healthy controls.

Results: No placebo effect was recorded with any changes in postural data and VAS scale. After the optokinetic treatment, a significant improvement in postural control was observed in 48% of patients, of whom 70% were of the Motion-Triggered subtype (p-values: Area under the Curve—Anterior Posterior < 0.001; Area under the Curve—Medio Lateral p < 0.001, Confidence Ellipse Area (CEA) < 0.001, Velocity < 0.001).

Conclusion: The protocol was effective in approximately half of the MdDS patients that took part in the study, with no placebo effect recorded. The Motion-Triggered group responded better to treatment than the Spontaneous group. In addition to this, this study indicates that the greatest postural changes occur within the first 3 days of treatment, suggesting that a shorter protocol is possible. Overall, these findings support what was previously observed in Dai's studies, that optokinetic stimulation can reduce and ease self-motion perception in those with MdDS. Thus, validating the reproducibility of this protocol, suggesting that a consistent and uncomplicated implementation across treatment centers is possible.

A new theory on GABA and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide involvement in Mal de Debarquement Syndrome predisposition factors and pathophysiology

INTRODUCTION

Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a condition characterized by a sensation of motion in the absence of a stimulus, which presents with two subtypes depending on the onset: Motion-Triggered, and Spontaneous or Non-Motion Triggered. MdDS predominantly affects women around 40-50 years of age and a high number of patients report associated disorders, such as migraine and depression. The pathophysiology of MdDS is unclear, as is whether there are predisposing factors that make individuals more vulnerable to developing the condition. Hormonal changes in women similarly to what observed in migraineous patients, as well as depression disorder, have been examined as potential key factors for developing MdDS. Studies on migraine and depression have revealed correlations with hormonal fluctuations in females as well as aberrant levels of some key neurotransmitters such as Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and inflammatory neuropeptides like Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP). Consequently, this manuscript aims to propose a new hypothesis on the predisposing factors for MdDS and a new concept that could contribute to the understanding of its pathophysiology.

NEW HYPOTHESIS

Recent findings have demonstrated a role for hormonal influences in MdDS patients, similar to previous observations in patients with depression and migraine. We hypothesize the involvement of gonadal hormones and aberrant neurotransmitter levels, including the GABAergic and serotonergic systems, in MdDS pathophysiology. Our theory is that certain individuals are more vulnerable to develop MdDS during specific gonadal hormonal phases. Furthermore, we hypothesize that it may be possible to identify these individuals by measurement of an existing imbalance of these neurotransmitters or inflammatory neuropeptides like CGRP.

FURTHER EVALUATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS

According to one theory, MdDS is considered as a maladaptation of the Vestibular Ocular Reflex (VOR) and velocity storage. When considering this theory, it is essential to highlight that the brainstem nuclei involved in the VOR and the velocity storage include GABA_b sensitive neurons, which appear to produce inhibitory control of velocity storage. Responses of these GABA_b sensitive neurons are also modulated by CGRP. Thus an alteration of the GABAergic network by imbalances of inhibitory neurotransmitters or CGRP could influence signal integration in the velocity storage system and therefore be directly involved in MdDS pathophysiology.

CONSEQUENCE OF THE HYPOTHESIS AND FUTURE STUDIES

A hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalance may act to predispose individuals in developing MdDS. Future studies should focus on the hormonal influences on neurotransmitters (e.g. GABA) and on the trial of CGRP antagonist drugs for the treatment of MdDS patients.

Evaluating Quality of Life in Patients With Meniere’s Disease Treated as Migraine

Objective:

To evaluate the change in quality of life (QOL) of patients with Meniere’s disease (MD) after treatment with migraine prophylaxis therapy.

Methods:

Patients with definite MD were given the Meniere’s Disease Outcomes Questionnaire–Retrospective (MDOQ-R) after migraine prophylactic therapy to assess QOL. Changes in physical, emotional, and social parameters affected by MD were calculated, along with a global pre- and posttreatment QOL scores.

Results:

The MDOQ-R was given to 27 consecutive patients with definite MD. Patients who had at least an 18-month follow-up were included, resulting in 25 questionnaires. The mean change in QOL score was 25 ± 16 (range, –3 to 55), P = .02. Quality of life was improved in 23 (92%) of the respondents in every metric measured, unchanged in 1 (4%), and poorer in 1 (4%) of patients after migraine prophylaxis treatment.

Conclusions:

Majority of MD patients who had all failed diuretic therapy responded positively to medications used for migraine prophylaxis, as indicated by a significant improvement in QOL. This study may further suggest a correlation between the pathophysiologic basis of disease in MD and vestibular migraine. Patients with MD may be successfully managed with medications intended to treat migraine.

Concomitant diseases and their effect on disease prognosis in Meniere's disease: diabetes mellitus identified as a negative prognostic factor

OBJECTIVE

To study comorbidities and their effect on the disease progression in Meniere's disease (MD).

METHODS

Retrospective study on 350 definite MD patients diagnosed according to AAO-HNS 1995 criteria using hospital records and postal questionnaire.

RESULTS

The prevalence of migraine, hypothyroidism, allergies, coronary heart disease and autoimmune diseases was more common in MD patients than reported in the general population of Finland. Diabetes mellitus was associated with both more severe hearing impairment (p = .033) and more frequent vertigo (p = .028) in MD patients. The number of concomitant diseases was associated with more frequent vertigo (p = .021).

CONCLUSIONS

A patient's concomitant diseases, especially diabetes, should be treated effectively because they might affect the progression of MD. Further studies on the effects of concomitant diseases on MD prognosis are needed.