Abstract

Vestibular migraine (VM) is now accepted as a common neurotologic disorder. VM is a migraine variant that presents with vertigo, imbalance and head movement intolerance in association with migrainous features. Diagnostic criteria for VM are based on the patient’s history and have recently been published by the Barany Society in collaboration with the International Headache Society. Physical examination and laboratory testing between episodes of VM are usually normal. The pathophysiology of VM is based on central nervous system pathways and neurochemistry common to headache and vestibular function. At this time, treatment of VM is empirical and is based on expert opinion rather than controlled trials.