Vestibular Migraine: What's the Impact?

What is Vestibular Migraine? Studies of patients at neurology/otolaryngology clinics suggest VM is the second most common cause of dizziness after benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Study sought to find out how prevalent VM is in the general population. 

First US Population-based VM Study. Authors analyzed 21 781 respondents' data from the 2008 population-based National Health Interview Survey. Consensus diagnostic criteria was used from Bárány Society and International Headache Society and results were adjusted for sex, race, smoking, and medical comorbidities. 

Higher than Expected VM Prevalence in US. Of the 2490 respondents with dizziness, 584 (23.4%) met the case definition of VM in past year, which represents a VM prevalence of 2.7% in US adults. Age, female sex, anxiety, depression, and past head trauma increased the odds of respondents experiencing VM.

VM Underrecognized Despite Large QoL Impact. Just 10% of respondents who met criteria for VM said migraines caused dizziness and 23% visited the ER/hospital for symptoms; 34% of respondents reported their condition prevented them from performing normal activities and 60% reported it prevented them from going to work or school. 

Clinical Implications. Prevalence of VM in the US is much higher than expected, which suggests VM is one of the most common causes of dizziness and it is likely underdiagnosed and underappreciated.