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Ceriani CEJ. Beyond Vertigo: Vestibular, Aural, and Perceptual Symptoms in Vestibular Migraine. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2024; 28:633-639. [PMID: 38780828 PMCID: PMC11271338 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-024-01245-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the vestibular, aural, and perceptual symptoms of vestibular migraine (VM) that may present alongside vertigo. RECENT FINDINGS Increased research attention to the wide spectrum of symptoms presenting in VM patients has improved understanding of this disorder, with recent identification of five different VM phenotypes. Research into the clinical overlap between VM and other chronic vestibular syndromes such as persistent postural-perceptual dizziness and mal-de-debarquement syndrome reveals a range of vestibular symptoms and hints at pathophysiological connections between migraine and vestibular dysfunction. Studies of migraine treatment for hearing loss suggest patients presenting with aural symptoms may have an underlying diagnosis of migraine and deserve a trial of migraine preventives. Research into the neurologic basis of the perceptual disorder Alice in Wonderland syndrome has revealed brain areas that are likely involved and may help explain its prevalence in VM patients. VM is a sensory processing disorder that presents with more than just vertigo. Understanding the range of potential symptoms improves diagnosis and treatment for migraine patients whose diagnosis may be missed when only the symptoms identified in the diagnostic criteria are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E J Ceriani
- Department of Neurology, Jefferson Headache Center, Thomas Jefferson University, 900 Walnut St., Ste 200, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
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Burlando B, Mucci V, Browne CJ, Losacco S, Indovina I, Marinelli L, Blanchini F, Giordano G. Mal de Debarquement Syndrome explained by a vestibulo-cerebellar oscillator. MATHEMATICAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE IMA 2023; 40:96-110. [PMID: 36469499 DOI: 10.1093/imammb/dqac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a puzzling central vestibular disorder characterized by a long-lasting perception of oscillatory postural instability that may occur after sea travels or flights. We have postulated that MdDS originates from the post-disembarking persistence of an adaptive internal oscillator consisting of a loop system, involving the right and left vestibular nuclei, and the Purkinje cells of the right and left flocculonodular cerebellar cortex, connected by GABAergic and glutamatergic fibers. We have formulated here a mathematical model of the vestibulo-cerebellar loop system and carried out a computational analysis based on a set of differential equations describing the interactions among the loop elements and containing Hill functions that model input-output firing rates relationships among neurons. The analysis indicates that the system acquires a spontaneous and permanent oscillatory behavior for a decrease of threshold and an increase of sensitivity in neuronal input-output responses. These results suggest a role for synaptic plasticity in MdDS pathophysiology, thus reinforcing our previous hypothesis that MdDS may be the result of excessive synaptic plasticity acting on the vestibulo-cerebellar network during its entraining to an oscillatory environment. Hence, our study points to neuroendocrine pathways that lead to increased synaptic response as possible new therapeutic targets for the clinical treatment of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Burlando
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Viviana Mucci
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Cherylea J Browne
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith NSW 2560, Australia
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Serena Losacco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Iole Indovina
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Neuromotor Physiology Lab, IRCCS Foundation Santa Lucia, via Ardeatina 354, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucio Marinelli
- DINOGMI University of Genova, Largo Daneo 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Franco Blanchini
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, University of Udine, Via delle Scienze 208, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Giulia Giordano
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo (TN), Italy
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Browne CJ, Fahey P, Sheeba SR, Sharpe MH, Rosner M, Feinberg D, Mucci V. Visual disorders and mal de debarquement syndrome: a potential comorbidity questionnaire-based study. Future Sci OA 2022; 8:FSO813. [PMID: 36248065 PMCID: PMC9540399 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2022-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS) is a neurological condition characterized by a constant sensation of self-motion; onset may be motion-triggered (MT) or non-motion-triggered/spontaneous (NMT/SO). People with MdDS experience similar symptoms to those with vertical heterophoria, a subset of binocular visual dysfunction. Hence, we aimed to explore potential visual symptom overlaps. Methods: MdDS patients (n = 196) and controls (n = 197) completed a visual health questionnaire. Results: Compared with controls, the MdDS group demonstrated higher visual disorder scores and visual complaints. NMT/SO participants reported unique visual symptoms and a higher prevalence of mild traumatic brain injury. Conclusion: Our findings suggest visual disorders may coexist with MdDS, particularly the NMT/SO subtype. The difference in visual dysfunction frequency and medical histories between subtypes, warrants further investigation into differing pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherylea J Browne
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia
- Translational Neuroscience Facility (TNF), School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW, 2033, Australia
- Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Lab, School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Paul Fahey
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Stella R Sheeba
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia
- Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Lab, School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Margie H Sharpe
- Dizziness & Balance Disorders Center, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Mark Rosner
- NeuroVisual Medicine Institute, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302, USA
| | - Debby Feinberg
- NeuroVisual Medicine Institute, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302, USA
| | - Viviana Mucci
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia
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Cha YH. Update on Therapies for Mal de Débarquement Syndrome. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11940-022-00735-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Thalamocortical bistable switch as a theoretical model of fibromyalgia pathogenesis inferred from a literature survey. J Comput Neurosci 2022; 50:471-484. [PMID: 35816263 PMCID: PMC9666334 DOI: 10.1007/s10827-022-00826-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is an unsolved central pain processing disturbance. We aim to provide a unifying model for FM pathogenesis based on a loop network involving thalamocortical regions, i.e., the ventroposterior lateral thalamus (VPL), the somatosensory cortex (SC), and the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN). The dynamics of the loop have been described by three differential equations having neuron mean firing rates as variables and containing Hill functions to model mutual interactions among the loop elements. A computational analysis conducted with MATLAB has shown a transition from monostability to bistability of the loop behavior for a weakening of GABAergic transmission between TRN and VPL. This involves the appearance of a high-firing-rate steady state, which becomes dominant and is assumed to represent pathogenic pain processing giving rise to chronic pain. Our model is consistent with a bulk of literature evidence, such as neuroimaging and pharmacological data collected on FM patients, and with correlations between FM and immunoendocrine conditions, such as stress, perimenopause, chronic inflammation, obesity, and chronic dizziness. The model suggests that critical targets for FM treatment are to be found among immunoendocrine pathways leading to GABA/glutamate imbalance having an impact on the thalamocortical system.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Vestibular disorders are gender distributed with a higher prevalence in women. Although research has increased in this field, the mechanisms underlying this unbalance is unclear. This review summarises recent advances in this research sphere, and briefly discusses sex hormone effects on various vestibular conditions and highlights some recent theories. RECENT FINDINGS Recent work has identified a direct link between aberrant gonadal hormone levels and vestibular dysfunction. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo research suggests that the disorder may be linked to the rapid decrease in oestrogen, observed in menopausal women, which disrupts otoconial metabolism within the inner ear. A successful hormonal therapeutic intervention study has advanced our knowledge of hormonal influences in the inner ear in Ménière's disease. Also, several studies have focused on potential mechanisms involved in the interaction between Vestibular Migraine, Mal de Debarquement Syndrome, and gonadal hormones. SUMMARY In females, gonadal hormones and sex-specific synaptic plasticity may play a significant role in the underlying pathophysiology of peripheral and central vestibular disorders. Overall, this review concludes that clinical assessment of female vestibular patients requires a multifaceted approach which includes auditory and vestibular medicine physicians, gynaecologists and/or endocrinologists, in conjunction with hormonal profile evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Mucci
- School of Science, Campbelltown Campus, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Yves Jacquemyn
- Antwerp University Hospital UZA, Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650 Edegem Belgium and Antwerp University UA, ASTARC and GHI, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Cherylea J Browne
- School of Science, Campbelltown Campus, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Kinne BL, Bode ER, Laisure SS, Schmitt JR. Vestibular rehabilitation for individuals with mal de debarquement syndrome: a systematic review. PHYSICAL THERAPY REVIEWS 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/10833196.2022.2026007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bonni Lynn Kinne
- Department of Physical Therapy, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Emily Renee Bode
- Department of Physical Therapy, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Sara Sue Laisure
- Department of Physical Therapy, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Jerika Ruth Schmitt
- Department of Physical Therapy, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Mucci V, Indovina I, Browne CJ, Blanchini F, Giordano G, Marinelli L, Burlando B. Mal de Debarquement Syndrome: A Matter of Loops? Front Neurol 2020; 11:576860. [PMID: 33244308 PMCID: PMC7683778 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.576860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a poorly understood neurological disorder affecting mostly perimenopausal women. MdDS has been hypothesized to be a maladaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, a neuroplasticity disorder, and a consequence of neurochemical imbalances and hormonal changes. Our hypothesis considers elements from these theories, but presents a novel approach based on the analysis of functional loops, according to Systems and Control Theory. Hypothesis: MdDS is characterized by a persistent sensation of self-motion, usually occurring after sea travels. We assume the existence of a neuronal mechanism acting as an oscillator, i.e., an adaptive internal model, that may be able to cancel a sinusoidal disturbance of posture experienced aboard, due to wave motion. Thereafter, we identify this mechanism as a multi-loop neural network that spans between vestibular nuclei and the flocculonodular lobe of the cerebellum. We demonstrate that this loop system has a tendency to oscillate, which increases with increasing strength of neuronal connections. Therefore, we hypothesize that synaptic plasticity, specifically long-term potentiation, may play a role in making these oscillations poorly damped. Finally, we assume that the neuromodulator Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide, which is modulated in perimenopausal women, exacerbates this process thus rendering the transition irreversible and consequently leading to MdDS. Conclusion and Validation: The concept of an oscillator that becomes noxiously permanent can be used as a model for MdDS, given a high correlation between patients with MdDS and sea travels involving undulating passive motion, and an alleviation of symptoms when patients are re-exposed to similar passive motion. The mechanism could be further investigated utilizing posturography tests to evaluate if subjective perception of motion matches with objective postural instability. Neurochemical imbalances that would render individuals more susceptible to developing MdDS could be investigated through hormonal profile screening. Alterations in the connections between vestibular nuclei and cerebellum, notably GABAergic fibers, could be explored by neuroimaging techniques as well as transcranial magnetic stimulation. If our hypothesis were tested and verified, optimal targets for MdDS treatment could be found within both the neural networks and biochemical factors that are deemed to play a fundamental role in loop functioning and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Mucci
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.,Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Iole Indovina
- Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Cherylea J Browne
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.,Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Franco Blanchini
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Giulia Giordano
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Lucio Marinelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurosciences, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Bruno Burlando
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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Pilot study on patients with Mal de Debarquement syndrome during pregnancy. Future Sci OA 2019; 5:FSO377. [PMID: 31114703 PMCID: PMC6511939 DOI: 10.4155/fsoa-2018-0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate if patients with Mal de Debarquement syndrome (MdDS) demonstrate different symptom levels or symptom type during pregnancy. Materials & methods: 18 MdDS patients that were or had been pregnant during their condition were recruited to complete a retrospective online questionnaire. Respondents answered questions regarding their basic clinical data, diagnosis, triggers and differences in symptom level and symptom type during pregnancy and before pregnancy. Results: A total of 81.3% reported that their symptoms were reduced during pregnancy compared with before pregnancy. Respondents also reported a different perception of motion and experienced less dizziness while being pregnant. Conclusion: The physiological changes that occur during pregnancy improve the symptoms of patients with MdDS, and this is potentially attributable to the rise in estrogen and progesterone. Mal de Debarquement syndrome (MdDS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by a constant sensation of self-motion. More women are affected than men, and subsequently a hormonal implication has been theorized. This study aimed to evaluate if symptoms change in patients with MdDS during their pregnancy. A total of 18 MdDS patients were recruited to complete a retrospective online questionnaire. Among these, 81.3% of respondents reported that their symptoms were lower during pregnancy compared with before pregnancy. Respondents also reported a different perception of motion and experienced less dizziness while being pregnant. Our results support the hypothesis that pregnancy positively influences MdDS symptoms.
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