Similarity of vertigo attacks due to Meniere's disease and benign recurrent vertigo, both with and without migraine

Application of clinical indicators in evaluating vestibular compensation efficacy in benign recurrent vestibular vertigo patients with short-term personalized vestibular rehabilitation

BACKGROUND

Short-term personalized vestibular rehabilitation (ST-PVR) can establish stable vestibular compensation. However, there is a lack of a clear definition for clinical indicators that can dynamically reflect the progress of vestibular rehabilitation (VR).

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical indicators suitable for evaluating the effectiveness of ST-PVR in treating benign recurrent vertigo (BRV).

METHODS

In total, 50 patients diagnosed with BRV were enrolled. All patients received the ST-PVR treatment program. At 2 and 4 weeks after rehabilitation, subjective scales, including the visual analogue scale (VAS), dizziness handicap inventory scale (DHI), activities-specific balance confidence scale (ABC) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) were assessed. Objective vestibular function tests were performed. VR grading was determined.

RESULTS

At 2 weeks after rehabilitation, significant enhancements were observed in VAS, DHI, ABC, GAD-7, UW, vHIT results, and VR grading scores (p < 0.05). The sensory organization test (SOT) results demonstrated statistically significant improvements at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after rehabilitation (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE

Both subjective scales and partial examination results in objective assessment can serve as indicators to dynamically monitor the compensatory process of vestibular function in patients with BRV. The VR efficacy grading score, which incorporates the above indicators, allows for quantification of the changes that occur during the vestibular rehabilitation process.

Correlation Between Quantitative Value of Endolymphatic Hydrops and Hearing Threshold Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the relationship between quantitative value of endolymphatic hydrops in the affected ear and the hearing threshold in patients with unilateral Meniere's disease.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

METHODS

Forty patients with unilateral definite Meniere's disease were diagnosed in outpatient clinic. We recorded their clinical symptoms (duration of vertigo and tinnitus and duration of vertigo attacks), and obtained the hearing thresholds of high, middle, and low by pure tone audiometry. A 3D-FLAIR MRI revealed endolymphatic hydrops and assessed quantitative values of cochlear and vestibular endolymphatic hydrops. We assessed the correlation between hearing thresholds and quantitative values of endolymphatic hydrops.

RESULTS

All patients showed varying degrees of endolymphatic hydrops in the affected ear. With the duration of vertigo, tinnitus and vertigo attacks as control variables, partial correlation analysis showed that the correlation coefficients between quantitative value of cochlear hydrops and hearing thresholds of low, middle, and high tone in the affected ear were 0.581, 0.610, and 0.125, respectively. The correlation coefficients between quantitative value of vestibular hydrops and hearing thresholds of low, middle, and high tone in the affected ear were 0.727, 0.569, and 0.201, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The degree of endolymphatic hydrops in Meniere's disease can be revealed and assessed by 3D-FLAIR MRI after intravenous administration of double doses of gadoterate meglumine. Clinical evaluation of endolymphatic hydrops in Meniere's disease can be assisted by low- and middle-tone hearing thresholds, thereby providing anatomical support for the clinical symptoms of Meniere's disease.

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.

Improving diagnostic accuracy for probable and definite Ménière's disease using magnetic resonance imaging

PURPOSE

To determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can improve diagnostic accuracy for definite and probable Ménière's disease (MD) based on perilymphatic enhancement (PE) and endolymphatic hydrops (EH).

METHODS

363 patients with unilateral MD (probable MD, n = 75 and definite MD, n = 288) were recruited. A three-dimensional zoomed imaging technique with parallel transmission SPACE real inversion recovery was performed 6 h after intravenous gadolinium injection to investigate the presence of PE and to evaluate the grading and location of EH. PE and EH characteristics were analyzed and compared between the probable and definite MD groups.

RESULTS

The cochlear and vestibular EH grading on the affected side was more severe in the definite MD group than that in the probable MD group (P < 0.001). The EH locations within the inner ear on the affected side also differed between the two groups (χ2 = 81.15, P < 0.001). The signal intensity ratio (SIR) on the affected side was significantly higher in the definite MD group than in the probable MD group (t = 2.18, P < 0.05). The assessment of the combination of PE and EH parameters within the inner ear revealed a higher area under the curve (AUC) in the definite MD group (0.82) compared with the AUCs of the parameters assessed alone.

CONCLUSION

The assessment of a combination of PE and EH parameters improved the diagnostic accuracy for probable and definite MD, suggesting that MRI findings may be clinically useful in the diagnosis of MD.

Clinical and VEMPS Characteristics of Benign Recurrent Vertigo With Cochlear Symptoms and Migraine

Objectives: To explore the clinical manifestations and vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) characteristics in patients diagnosed with benign recurrent vertigo (BRV) accompanied by cochlear symptoms or migraine history. Methods: A total of 34 patients were diagnosed with BRV (57 ears) and 30 healthy volunteers (60 ears) were recruited. They were divided into 4 groups: Group A consisted of 17 patients diagnosed as BRV with cochlear symptoms (21 ears), Group B consisted of 11 patients diagnosed as BRV with migraine history (22 ears), and Group C consisted of 7 patients with BRV without cochlear symptoms and migraine history (14 ears). Group D, as a Normal control (NC) group, consisted of 30 healthy volunteers without a history of migraine and cochlear symptoms. Detailed consultations and VEMP testing were performed separately. The VEMPs elicitation rate, amplitude ratio at different frequencies and amplitude statistics were compared and analyzed among the 4 groups. Results: The amplitudes of cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) have significant differences between Groups D and A, and Group C, under 500 Hz (PAD = .017, PBD = .052, PCD = .044), but the amplitudes of cVEMP have significant differences between Groups D and A, and Group B under 1000 Hz, respectively (PAD = .008, PBD = .020, PCD = .119). The amplitudes of ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) have significant differences between Groups D and A, and Group B, under 500 Hz, respectively (PAD = .029, PBD = .005, PCD = .198). oVEMP amplitudes significantly differ between Groups D and A under 1000 Hz (PAD = .049, PBD = .079, PCD = .103). The statistical difference was absent in elicit rates of cVEMP and oVEMP between the NC and experimental groups (cVEMP: PAD = .525, PBD = .917, PCD = .374; oVEMP: PAD = .678, PBD = .523, PCD = .427). Moreover, there is no significant difference between the NC group and experimental groups among VEMPs and VEMP frequency amplitude ratio (P > .05). Conclusion: VEMPs could be a diagnostic indicator for BRV patients with cochlear symptoms. The pathogenesis of BRV may be related to damage to the otolithic apparatus.

Course of Duration and Trigger Factors of Vertigo Attacks in Patients with Benign Recurrent Vertigo, Menière's Disease, or Vestibular Migraine

INTRODUCTION

Benign recurrent vertigo (BRV), Menière's disease (MD), and vestibular migraine (VM) show many similarities with regard to the course of vertigo attacks and clinical features. In this paper, we elaborate on the decreasing frequency of vertigo attacks observed in a previous study from our group by exploring changes in the duration and trigger factors of vertigo attacks in patients with BRV, MD, or VM.

METHODS

For this 3-year prospective cohort study in our tertiary referral center we recruited patients with a confirmed diagnosis of BRV, MD, or VM by a neurologist and otorhinolaryngologist in our center in 2015-2016. A study-specific questionnaire was used to assess the usual duration of vertigo attacks and their potential triggers every 6 months. Main outcome measures were changes in duration and trigger factors of vertigo attacks in the subgroups of patients with persisting attacks, which were analyzed using repeated measures logistic regression models.

RESULTS

121 patients were included (BRV: n = 44; MD: n = 43; VM: n = 34) of whom 117 completed the 3-year follow-up period and 57 (48.7%) kept reporting vertigo attacks at one more follow-up measurements. None of the diagnosis groups showed statistically significant shortening of attack duration at the subsequent annual follow-up measurements compared to baseline. At baseline, stress and fatigue being reported as triggers for attacks differed significantly between the three groups (stress: BRV 40.9%, MD 62.8%, VM 76.5%, p = 0.005; fatigue: BRV 31.0%, MD 48.8%, VM 68.8%, p = 0.003). In the VM group, a consistent reduction of stress and fatigue as triggers was observed up until the 24- and the 30-month follow-up measurements, respectively, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 0.15 to 0.33 (all p < 0.05). In the MD group, a consistent reduction of head movements as trigger was observed from the 24-month measurement onward (ORs ranging from 0.07 to 0.11, all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed no reduction in vertigo attack duration over time in patients with BRV, MD, and VM who remain to have vertigo attacks. In VM and MD patients with persisting vertigo attacks stress, fatigue and head movements became less predominant triggers for vertigo attacks.

Similarities and Differences between Vestibular Migraine and Recurrent Vestibular Symptoms-Not Otherwise Specified (RVS-NOS)

Menière's disease and vestibular migraine (VM) are two common inner ear disorders whose diagnoses are based on clinical history and audiometric exams. In some cases, patients have been reporting different episodes of vertigo for years but not fulfilling the Bárány Society criteria for either. These are called Recurrent Vestibular Symptoms-Not Otherwise Specified (RVS-NOS). It is still under debate if this is a single disease entity or a part of the spectrum of already established disorders. The purpose of our work was to establish similarities and differences with VM in terms of clinical history, bedside examination, and family history. We enrolled 28 patients with RVS-NOS who were followed for at least 3 years with stable diagnosis; results were compared with those of 34 subjects having a diagnosis of definite VM. The age of onset of vertigo was lower in VM than in RVS-NOS (31.2 vs. 38.4 years). As for the duration of attacks and symptoms, we detected no differences other than subjects with RVS-NOS reporting milder attacks. Cochlear accompanying symptoms were more frequently reported by VM subjects (one subject reporting tinnitus and another one reported tinnitus and fullness). Motion sickness was equally reported by subjects across two samples (around 50% for both). Bipositional long-lasting, non-paroxysmal nystagmus was the most common finding in the two groups, with no significant difference. Finally, the percentage of familial cases of migrainous headache and episodic vertigo did not differ between the two samples. In conclusion, RVS-NOS shares some common aspects with VM, including the temporal profile of attacks, motion sickness (commonly considered a migraine precursor), bedside examination, and family history. Our results are not inconsistent with the possibility that RVS-NOS may be a heterogeneous disorder, even if some of these subjects may share common pathophysiological mechanisms with VM.

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.

Vestibular Migraine

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To explore recent developments in vestibular migraine (VM).

RECENT FINDINGS

This review discusses the current diagnostic criteria for VM in the adult and pediatric populations, as proposed by the International Headache Society and Bárány Society. Recent VM studies confirm the prior findings and reveal new insights, including the wide range of vestibular symptoms, symptoms in the attack-free period, and triggers. Many patients experience persistent vestibular symptoms, even in the absence of acute attacks, which often significantly impact patients' quality of life. The syndrome of benign recurrent vertigo and its relationship to migraine, VM, and Meniere's disease is also discussed. There is a dearth of randomized controlled trials in VM treatment. Prospective and retrospective studies support the benefit of many migraine treatments are effective in VM, including neuromodulation, and calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies. VM affects almost 3% of the population, but remains under-diagnosed. Recent diagnostic criteria can help clinicians diagnose VM in adults and children.

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.

Positive Relationship Between Paroxysmal Vertigo and Right-to-Left Shunt: A Large Observational Study

Background

The association between paroxysmal vertigo and right-to-left shunt (RLS) is rarely reported. This study investigates the prevalence and correlation of RLS in patients with different paroxysmal vertigo diseases.

Methods

Patients with paroxysmal vertigo from seven hospitals in China were included in this observational study between 2017 and 2021. Migraine patients within the same period were included for comparison. Demographic data and medical history were collected; contrast transthoracic echocardiography was performed; and the clinical features, Dizziness Handicap Inventory, and incidence of RLS in each group were recorded.

Results

A total of 2,751 patients were enrolled. This study's results demonstrated that the proportion of RLS in patients with benign recurrent vertigo (BRV) and vestibular migraine (VM) was significantly higher than that in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Meniere's disease, and vestibular paroxysmia (P < 0.05). No statistical difference was shown between the frequency of RLS in patients with BRV and those with migraine and VM. A positive correlation was shown between the RLS grade and Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores of patients with VM and BRV (P < 0.01) after effectively controlleding the effect of confounding variables.

Conclusions

RLS was significantly associated with BRV and VM. RLS may be involved in the pathogeneses of BRV and VM and may serve as a differential reference index for the paroxysmal vertigo.

Trial Registration

CHRS, NCT04939922, registered 14 June 2021- retrospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov.

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.

Recurrent Vestibular Symptoms Not Otherwise Specified: Clinical Characteristics Compared With Vestibular Migraine and Menière's Disease

Despite the huge progress in the definition and classification of vestibular disorders within the last decade, there are still patients whose recurrent vestibular symptoms cannot be attributed to any of the recognized episodic vestibular syndromes, such as Menière's disease (MD), vestibular migraine (VM), benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular paroxysmia, orthostatic vertigo or transient ischemic attack (TIA). The aim of the present international, multi-center, cross-sectional study was to systematically characterize the clinical picture of recurrent vestibular symptoms not otherwise specified (RVS-NOS) and to compare it to MD and VM. Thirty-five patients with RVS-NOS, 150 patients with VM or probable VM and 119 patients with MD were included in the study. The symptoms of RVS-NOS had been present for 5.4 years on average before inclusion, similar to VM and MD in this study, suggesting that RVS-NOS is not a transitory state before converting into another diagnosis. Overall, the profile of RVS-NOS vestibular symptoms was more similar to VM than MD. In particular, the spectrum of vestibular symptom types was larger in VM and RVS-NOS than in MD, both at group comparison and the individual level. However, in contrast to VM, no female preponderance was observed for RVS-NOS. Positional, head-motion and orthostatic vertigo were reported more frequently by patients with RVS-NOS than MD, while external vertigo was more prevalent in the MD group. At group level, the spectrum of attack durations from minutes to 3 days was evenly distributed for VM, while a small peak for short and long attacks in RVS-NOS and a big single peak of hours in MD were discernible. In general, vertigo attacks and associated vegetative symptoms (nausea and vomiting) were milder in RVS-NOS than in the other two disorders. Some patients with RVS-NOS described accompanying auditory symptoms (tinnitus: 2.9%, aural fullness and hearing loss: 5.7% each), migrainous symptoms (photophobia, phonophobia or visual aura in 5.7% each) or non-migrainous headaches (14%), but did not fulfill the diagnostic criteria for MD or VM. Absence of a life time diagnosis of migraine headache and attack duration of <5 min were further reasons not to qualify for VM. In some RVS-NOS patients with accompanying ear symptoms, attack durations of <20 min excluded them from being diagnosed with MD. These findings suggest that RVS-NOS is a stable diagnosis over time whose overall clinical presentation is more similar to VM than to MD. It is more likely to be composed of several disorders including a spectrum of mild or incomplete variants of known vestibular disorders, such as VM and MD, rather than a single disease entity with distinct pathognomonic features.

Vestibular migraine: the chameleon in vestibular disease

Vestibular migraine (VM) has been recently receiving increasing attention as an independent disease concept. It is a common cause of dizziness or headache; however, it was not clearly defined until 2018. Its diagnosis mainly relies on clinical history, including vertigo and migraine, as indicated by the appendix of the 3^rd edition of the International Classification Diagnostic Criteria for Headache Diseases. There is often an overlap of vertigo and migraine across vestibular diseases; therefore, VM often imitates various vestibular diseases. Additionally, VM lacks specific laboratory biomarkers; therefore, it has high misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis rates. Therefore, numerous clinical patients could have inaccurate diagnoses and improper treatment. Therefore, there is a need for further basic research to further clarify the pathogenesis. Moreover, there is a need for clinical trials focusing on specific laboratory biomarkers, including serological, radiological, and electrophysiological examinations, to develop more detailed and complete diagnostic criteria.

Differential Diagnosis of Endolymphatic Hydrops Between "Probable" and "Definite" Ménière's Disease via Magnetic Resonance Imaging

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the grade of endolymphatic hydrops in patients with "probable" and "definite" Ménière's disease via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to determine whether MRI could assist clinicians in differential diagnosis between probable and definite Ménière's disease.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Three-dimensional FLAIR MRI (fluid-attenuated inversion recovery) to examine endolymphatic hydrops in Ménière's disease.

METHODS

A total of 51 patients diagnosed with probable (n = 20) or definite (n = 31) unilateral Ménière's disease were enrolled. Three-dimensional FLAIR MRI was performed to evaluate the grade of endolymphatic hydrops. The differences in endolymphatic hydrops between the probable and definite groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

The grade of endolymphatic hydrops was more severe in the definite group than in the probable group (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

MRI revealed a higher grade of endolymphatic hydrops in patients with definite Ménière's disease than in patients with probable Ménière's disease. As a result, it may be clinically useful and an effective tool in the differentiation between definite and probable Ménière's disease.

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.

Sparse classification of discriminant nystagmus features using combined video-oculography tests and pupil tracking for common vestibular disorder recognition

Vertigo is a common sign related to a problem with the brain or vestibular system. Detection of ocular nystagmus can be a support indicator to distinguish different vestibular disorders. In order to get reliable and accurate real time measurements from nystagmus response, video-oculography (VOG) plays an important role in the daily clinical examination. However, vestibular diseases present a large diversity in their characteristics that leads to many complications for usual analysis. In this paper, we propose a novel automated approach to achieve both selection and classification of nystagmus parameters using four tests and a pupil tracking procedure in order to give reliable evaluation and standardized indicators of frequent vestibular dysfunction that will assist clinicians in their diagnoses. Indeed, traditional tests (head impulse, caloric, kinetic and saccadic tests) are applied to obtain clinical parameters that highlight the type of vertigo (peripheral or central vertigo). Then, a pupil tracking method is used to extract temporal and frequency nystagmus features in caloric and kinetic sequences. Finally, all extracted features from the tests are reduced according to their high characterization degree by linear discriminant analysis, and classified into three vestibular disorders and normal cases using sparse representation. The proposed methodology is tested on a database containing 90 vertiginous subjects affected by vestibular Neuritis, Meniere's disease and Migraines. The presented technique highly reduces labor-intensive workloads of clinicians by producing the discriminant features for each vestibular disease which will significantly speed up the vertigo diagnosis and provides possibility for fully computerized vestibular disorder evaluation.

Clinical Practice Guideline: Ménière's Disease

OBJECTIVE

Ménière's disease (MD) is a clinical condition defined by spontaneous vertigo attacks (each lasting 20 minutes to 12 hours) with documented low- to midfrequency sensorineural hearing loss in the affected ear before, during, or after one of the episodes of vertigo. It also presents with fluctuating aural symptoms (hearing loss, tinnitus, or ear fullness) in the affected ear. The underlying etiology of MD is not completely clear, yet it has been associated with inner ear fluid (endolymph) volume increases, culminating in episodic ear symptoms (vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness). Physical examination findings are often unremarkable, and audiometric testing may or may not show low- to midfrequency sensorineural hearing loss. Conventional imaging, if performed, is also typically normal. The goals of MD treatment are to prevent or reduce vertigo severity and frequency; relieve or prevent hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness; and improve quality of life. Treatment approaches to MD are many and typically include modifications of lifestyle factors (eg, diet) and medical, surgical, or a combination of therapies.

PURPOSE

The primary purpose of this clinical practice guideline is to improve the quality of the diagnostic workup and treatment outcomes of MD. To achieve this purpose, the goals of this guideline are to use the best available published scientific and/or clinical evidence to enhance diagnostic accuracy and appropriate therapeutic interventions (medical and surgical) while reducing unindicated diagnostic testing and/or imaging.

Clinical features and outcomes of benign recurrent vertigo: A longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE

To study the demographics, vertigo profiles, and outcomes of adult patients with benign recurrent vertigo (BRV).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective study included patients with BRV who were admitted to a tertiary neurology clinic between June 2013 and June 2017. All patients underwent detailed clinical interviews and related examinations. A follow-up was then conducted through an outpatient or telephone interview.

RESULTS

A total of 66 patients (48 females) were enrolled, and the mean age at the onset of vertigo was 35.2 years. Spontaneous vertigo was the most common type (77.8%), followed by positional vertigo (16.7%). The duration of vertigo attacks varied from minutes to 72 hours. A family history of migraine and/or recurrent vertigo was reported in 51.5% of patients. The overall response rate was 80.3%（53/66）after a median follow-up time of 32.5 months (range: 18-60 months). Forty (75.5%, of 53) patients still reported having vertigo attacks at the follow-up. The frequency of vertigo attacks was reduced in 32 (60.4%) patients and was unchanged in 8 (15.1%). Four (7.5%) cases developed into vestibular migraine, but none developed into Meniere's disease.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes of patients with BRV were benign, and the frequency of vertigo is significantly reduced. Few cases developed into vestibular migraine.

The Correlation Between Endolymphatic Hydrops and Clinical Features of Meniere Disease

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the grades of endolymphatic hydrops determined by gadolinium-contrast magnetic resonance (MR) and correlation to the clinical features in patients with Meniere disease.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

METHODS

A total of 24 patients suffering from unilateral Meniere disease with either definite or probable clinical diagnosis were included. The duration of vertigo, duration of tinnitus, duration of vertigo attacks, hearing thresholds, and canal paresis (CP) value of caloric tests were assessed. Three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed 4 hours after intravenous injection of double dose of gadobutrol (Gd) to show endolymph and perilymph, and the grades of endolymphatic hydrops were measured. Additionally, the correlation between clinical features and the grades of endolymphatic hydrops of cochlea and vestibular were evaluated.

RESULTS

Different grades of the endolymphatic hydrops in the impaired ear were revealed by MRI. The Spearman correlation showed a strong correlation between the hearing thresholds of low, middle, and high tone and the grades of cochlea and vestibular hydrops (P < .05); However, no significant correlation between the duration of vertigo, duration of tinnitus, duration of vertigo attacks, CP value, and endolymphatic hydrops was determined (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

By visualizing the endolymph and perilymph of inner ear in patients with Meniere disease assisted with intravenous injection of double doses of Gd, the grades of endolymphatic hydrops could be assessed. As a result, the grades of endolymphatic hydrops in patients with Meniere disease can be used to predict the level of hearing impairment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E144-E150, 2021.

The Reliability and Validity of "Dokuz Eylül University Meniere's Disease Disability Scale"

OBJECTIVE

Ménière's Disease (MD) is a chronic, non-life threatening inner ear disease, with attacks of disabling vertigo, progressive hearing loss, and tinnitus as the major symptoms. All three symptoms, separately or in combination, cause great distress and have a considerable impact on the quality of life of the patients. The aims of this study were to develop a disease-specific quality of life survey for patients with MD and to analyze the relationships between the audiovestibular findings and the survey.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following Ear-Nose-Throat examination and audiovestibular tests, the Dokuz Eylül University Meniere's Disease Disability Scale (DEU-MDDS) and Turkish version of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI-T) were administered to 93 patients with definite MD. Reliability and validity analyses of the scale were performed.

RESULTS

There were 45 (48.4%) male and 48 (51.6%) female patients and the mean age was 48.9±12.1 years. Cronbach's alpha was 0.92 and intraclass correlation coefficients of the DEU-MMDS were significant (p<0.001). Results of the Goodness of Fit Statistics showed that the expression levels of the items were high and the correlation coefficients of each item with the scale were sufficient. There was a statistically significant correlation between DHI-T scores and MDDS. DEU-MDDS was not related to the vestibular tests, age or gender (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The MDDS is a valid and reliable scale as a disease-specific quality of life questionnaire for patients with MD.

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.

Tone burst electrocochleography disproves a diagnosis of Meniere's disease treated aggressively

Reliable confirmation of the presence or absence of endolymphatic hydrops is essential to avoid confusing vestibular migraine with Meniere's disease. MRI inner ear imaging is a promising new method to confirm hydrops, avoiding both unnecessary invasive or destructive inner ear treatments, but it is not universally available. Tone burst electrocochleography is an older simple, quick, safe, and sensitive test that is potentially available, with existing (or minorly upgraded) equipment at most tertiary medical centers. In Meniere's disease hydrops remains after intratympanic treatments. A case is presented of a 45 year-old man with a long history of recurrent vertigo attacks who, due to an erroneous diagnosis of Meniere's disease, was given five intratympanic treatments with no effect. He was subsequently found by tone burst electrocochleography to have no hydrops and was differentially diagnosed with probable vestibular migraine. Response to treatment confirms this diagnosis. This patient's electrocochleographic findings are compared with two other patients with definite Meniere's disease, one of whom had demonstrable hydrops despite intratympanic gentamycin treatments.

Vestibular Migraine

The term vestibular migraine designates recurrent vertigo that is caused by migraine. Vestibular migraine presents with episodes of spontaneous or positional vertigo lasting seconds to days that are accompanied by migraine symptoms. Because headache is often absent during acute attacks, other migraine features have to be identified by thorough history taking. In contrast, vestibular testing serves mainly for the exclusion of other diagnoses. Treatment still lacks solid evidence. It is targeted at the underlying migraine and comprises explanation and reassurance, lifestyle modifications, and drugs.

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.

Clinical Features and Endolymphatic Hydrops in Patients With MRI Evidence of Hydrops

OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between grades of endolymphatic hydrops (ELH) and clinical characteristics and determine the detailed clinical characteristics of Ménière's disease (MD) patients with evidence of hydrops based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS:

One hundred ninety-eight MD patients (396 ears) with MRI evidence of hydrops were included. ELH grades were evaluated using the Nakashima grading standard. Correlations between the extent of ELH and clinical features were evaluated. Detailed clinical characteristics were analyzed to assess the clinical diagnostic criteria.

RESULTS:

Of 198 patients, ELH was observed in 100% of cases on the clinically affected side and 8.6% of cases on the asymptomatic side. In addition, 98.5% of ELH was classified as moderate or significant grade. Low-frequency hearing loss was significantly correlated with the extent of both vestibular and cochlear hydrops, whereas the vertigo attack frequency showed no significant correlation with ELH grades. The disease duration of MD with bilateral ELH was longer than that with unilateral ELH. The clinical characteristics were variant and did not completely fit the proposed diagnostic criteria.

CONCLUSIONS:

MRI findings have relevance to the clinical severity, to a certain extent, but not vestibular symptoms. The proposed diagnostic criteria based on clinical characteristics may be partially effective; analysis of the detailed clinical characteristics of MD was meaningful. Diagnosis of MD based on both MRI and clinical symptoms could facilitate an early diagnosis.

Clinical manifestations of hydropic ear disease (Menière's)

INTRODUCTION

Hydropic ear disease, initially described by and named after Prosper Menière, is one of the most frequent vertigo disorders and one of the most frequent inner ear disorders. It is the syndrome of endolymphatic hydrops which until 2007 could be diagnostically confirmed only by post-mortem histology. In the past, various attempts to formulate clinical diagnostic criteria have been undertaken but were hampered by the inability to ascertain the diagnosis in living patients. With the milestone achievement of endolymphatic hydrops imaging, today the pathology can be ascertained. In this study, we have performed a detailed analysis of the clinical features of hydropic ear disease for the first time by examining a large cohort of patients with morphologically confirmed endolymphatic hydrops using a detailed physician-administered neurotologic face-to-face interview.

RESULTS

During a hydropic vertigo attack, the patients report nausea, vomiting, sweating, urge to defecate, urge to urinate, phosphenes, headache, photophobia, phonophobia and even transient loss of consciousness. A third of the patients does not experience auditory symptoms during the vertigo attacks. Vertigo attacks last less than 20 min in more than one-fourth of the patients. Audiometric hearing loss has its greatest diagnostic value at the frequencies of 1 kHz and below. Cochleovestibular symptom onset simultaneity is associated with a high frequency of drop-attacks. Migraine and autoimmune disorders are not associated with hydropic ear disease.

CONCLUSION

This study marks the beginning of the clinical characterization of hydropic ear disease. The findings have important implications for the future formulation of clinical diagnostic criteria.

Subclinical vestibular dysfunction in migraineurs without vertigo: A Clinical study

OBJECTIVES

This observational study aimed to investigate the presence of potential vestibular system subclinical dysfunction among migraineurs without a history of vertigo and dizziness compared with healthy controls.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with episodic migraine with and without aura were enrolled. All patients and healthy controls underwent vestibular examination using the following conventional tests: sitting position, Pagnini-McClure's, Dix-Hallpike's, head hanging, video head impulse, subjective visual vertical, Romberg, Fukuda, and caloric vestibular stimulation by Fitzgerald-Hallpike's tests. Nystagmus and angular velocity of the slow phase during culmination phase was analyzed by video-nystagmography.

RESULTS

Overall, 33 patients (76% female, 7 with aura and 26 without aura; mean age (mean ± SD): 29.1 ± 4.3 years) and 22 controls (33% female, mean age: 30.8 ± 9.4 years) were enrolled. There were no statistically significant differences in demographic features between patients and controls. Caloric vestibular stimulation test results were found to differ among patients and controls. In particular, right and left angular velocity (AV) were highly correlated one another (r = 0.88, P < .001). Right AV (53.0 ± 6.7 vs 44.0 ± 9.6) and left AV (54.3 ± 5.3 vs 43.3 ± 9.0) were statistically higher in migraineurs as compared to controls (P < .001). Also right V-HIT (1.1 ± 0.1 vs 0.8 ± 0.4) and left V-HIT (1.1 ± 0.1 vs 0.7 ± 0.2) were statistically higher in migraineurs compared to controls (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest a subclinical alteration of vestibular pathway in migraineurs who have never complained vertigo or postural imbalance. This finding supports the hypothesis of a vestibular-cerebellar dysfunction in migraineurs, particularly among those with aura.

Stress and Unusual Events Exacerbate Symptoms in Menière's Disease: A Longitudinal Study

HYPOTHESIS

Stress and unusual events are associated with a higher likelihood of attacks and increased symptom severity in Menière's disease (MD).

BACKGROUND

MD is an unpredictable condition which severely impacts the quality of life of those affected. It is thought that unusual activity and stress may act as an attack trigger in MD, but research in this area has been limited to date.

METHODS

This was a longitudinal study conducted over two phases. A mobile phone application was used to collect daily data on Menière's attacks and individual symptoms (aural fullness, dizziness, hearing loss, and tinnitus), as well as prevalence of unusual events (phase I), and stress levels (phase II). There were 1,031 participants (730 women, mean age 46.0 yr) in phase I and 695 participants (484 women, mean age 47.7 yr) in phase II. Panel data regression analyses were employed to examine for associations between unusual events/stress and attacks/symptoms, including the study of 24 hours lead and lag effects.

RESULTS

Unusual events and higher stress levels were associated with higher odds of Menière's attacks and more severe symptoms. The odds of experiencing an attack were 2.94 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.37, 3.65) with reporting of unusual events and increased by 1.24 (95% CI 1.20, 1.28) per unit increase in stress level. Twenty-four hour lead (OR 1.10 [95% CI 1.07, 1.14]) and lag (OR 1.10 [95% CI 1.06, 1.13]) effects on attacks were also found with increases in stress.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the strongest evidence to date that stress and unusual events are associated with attacks and symptom exacerbation in MD. Improving our understanding of stress and unusual events as triggers in Menière's may reduce the uncertainty associated with this condition and lead to improved quality of life for affected individuals.

Recurrent spontaneous vertigo with interictal headshaking nystagmus

Objective

To define a disorder characterized by recurrent spontaneous vertigo (RSV) of unknown etiology and interictal headshaking nystagmus (HSN).

Methods

We characterized HSN in 35 patients with RSV-HSN compared to that recorded in randomly selected patients with compensated vestibular neuritis (VN), vestibular migraine (VM), and Ménière disease (MD).

Results

The estimated time constant (TC) of the primary phase of HSN was 12 seconds (95% confidence interval [CI] 12–13) in patients with RSV-HSN, which was larger than those in patients with VN (5 seconds, 95% CI 4–5), VM (5 seconds, 95% CI 5–6), or MD (6 seconds, 95% CI 5–6). TCs of the horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflex were also larger during the rotatory chair test in patients with RSV-HSN. Among the 35 patients with RSV-HSN, 7 showed vigorous long-lasting HSN with a peak slow-phase velocity >50.0°/s. In 5 patients (5 of 7, 71%) with vigorous HSN, HSN could have been induced even with headshaking for only 2 to 5 seconds. Long-term prognosis was favorable, with a resolution or improvement of the symptoms in more than half of the patients during the median follow-up of 12 (range 2–58) years from symptom onset. None developed VM, MD, or cerebellar dysfunction during the follow-up.

Conclusion

The clinical features and characteristics of HSN in our patients indicate a hyperactive and asymmetric velocity-storage mechanism that gives rise to intermittent attacks of spontaneous vertigo probably when marginal compensation of underlying pathology is disrupted by endogenous or exogenous factors.

Clinical Characteristics of Benign Recurrent Vestibulopathy: Clearly Distinctive From Vestibular Migraine and Menière's Disease?

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to systematically investigate the clinical characteristics of benign recurrent vestibulopathy (BRV), vestibular migraine (VM), and Menière's disease (MD) and to assess whether clinical symptoms exist that are unique to BRV.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

METHODS

Between January 2015 and November 2016, patients were prospectively recruited at a specialized dizziness clinic. Patients were included if they met the diagnostic criteria for BRV, VM, or MD which was evaluated by simultaneous consultation of an otorhinolaryngologist and neurologist. All patients received a comprehensive clinical examination that included vestibular tests and pure-tone audiometry. A questionnaire was designed to systematically document symptoms of the three vestibular disorders.

RESULTS

A total of 122 patients were included in our study, 65 (53%) were females in whom 29 (24%) were postmenopausal. The mean age was 55.5 ± 13.7 years and the mean age of onset of vertigo attacks was 49.2 ± 14.8 years (n = 119). Forty-five (37%) patients had a clinical diagnosis of BRV, 34 (28%) of VM, and 43 (35%) of MD. No symptom could be identified which was specifically linked to BRV. In patients with BRV, similar to those with VM, we found a female preponderance (p = 0.05 in BRV, p = 0.001 in VM). Patients with VM reported significantly more often a positive history of motion sickness (p = 0.01). In addition, canal paresis was most profound in patients with MD (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

We found no clinical characteristics that were distinctive for BRV. However, we did find several distinctive clinical features for VM and MD which may assist the physician in their history taking.

Multisensory Integration in Migraine: Recent Developments

There are well-documented unimodal sensory differences in migraine compared to control groups both during, and between migraine attacks. There is also some evidence of multisensory integration differences in migraine groups compared to control groups, however the literature on this topic is more limited. There are interesting avenues in the area of visual–vestibular integration, which might have practical implications, e.g., motion sickness and nausea in migraine. Recent work has been investigating the possibility of visual–auditory integration in migraine, and found possible differences in the susceptibility to the sound-induced flash illusion in particular, which could give insights into relative excitability of different areas of the cortex, and also into mechanisms for the illusions themselves. This review updates the most recent literature and also highlights potentially fruitful areas of research to understand one of the most common neurological disorders.

The Intimate Relationship between Vestibular Migraine and Meniere Disease: A Review of Pathogenesis and Presentation

Vestibular migraine (VM) has only recently been recognized as a distinct disease entity. One reason is that its symptoms overlap greatly with those of other vestibular disorders, especially Meniere disease (MD). The pathophysiology of neither VM nor MD is entirely elucidated. However, there are many theories linking migraine to both disorders. We reviewed the current understanding of migraine, VM, and MD and described how VM and MD are similar or different from each other in terms of pathophysiology and presentation, including hypotheses that the two share a common etiology and/or are variants of the same disease.

Vestibular migraine

During the last decades a new vestibular syndrome has emerged that is now termed vestibular migraine (VM). The main body of evidence for VM is provided by epidemiologic data demonstrating a strong association between migraine and vestibular symptoms. Today, VM is recognized as one of the most common causes of episodic vertigo. The clinical presentation of VM is heterogeneous in terms of vestibular symptoms, duration of episodes, and association with migrainous accompaniments. Similar to migraine, there is no clinical or laboratory confirmation for VM and the diagnosis relies on the history and the exclusion of other disorders. Recently, diagnostic criteria for VM have been elaborated jointly by the International Headache Society and the Bárány Society. Clinical examination of patients with acute VM has clarified that the vast majority of patients with VM suffer from central vestibular dysfunction. Findings in the interval may yield mild signs of damage to both the central vestibular and ocular motor system and to the inner ear. These interictal clinical signs are not specific to VM but can be also observed in migraineurs without a history of vestibular symptoms. How migraine affects the vestibular system is still a matter of speculation. In the absence of high-quality therapeutic trials, treatment is targeted at the underlying migraine.

Menière's disease

Menière's disease (MD) is a chronic multifactorial disorder of the inner ear characterized by episodic vestibular symptoms associated with sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural pressure. Epidemiologic and genomic evidence supports a genetic susceptibility with multiple biochemical pathways involved, including the endocrine system, innate immune response, and autonomic nervous system. Allergens, infectious agents, vascular events, or genetic factors could modify inner-ear homeostasis and trigger MD. The diagnosis of MD is based on clinical criteria and requires the observation of an episodic vertigo syndrome associated with low- to medium-frequency sensorineural hearing loss and fluctuating aural symptoms (hearing loss, tinnitus, and/or fullness) in the affected ear. Headache is also found during the attacks and bilateral involvement is found in 25-40% of cases. Audiologic and vestibular assessment is recommended to monitor the clinical course. The treatment of MD is symptomatic to obtain relief of vestibular episodes and preventive to limit hearing loss progression. Treatment options include sodium restriction, betahistine, intratympanic gentamicin, or steroids and eventually surgery, such as cochlear implantation.

Disease Profiling for Computerized Peer Support of Ménière's Disease

Background

Peer support is an emerging form of person-driven active health care. Chronic conditions such as Ménière’s disease (a disorder of the inner ear) need continuing rehabilitation and support that is beyond the scope of routine clinical medical practice. Hence, peer-support programs can be helpful in supplementing some of the rehabilitation aspects.

Objective

The aim of this study was to design a computerized data collection system for the peer support of Menière’s disease that is capable in profiling the subject for diagnosis and in assisting with problem solving.

Methods

The expert program comprises several data entries focusing on symptoms, activity limitations, participation restrictions, quality of life, attitude and personality trait, and an evaluation of disease-specific impact. Data was collected from 740 members of the Finnish Ménière’s Federation and utilized in the construction and evaluation of the program.

Results

The program verifies the diagnosis of a person by using an expert system, and the inference engine selects 50 cases with matched symptom severity by using a nearest neighbor algorithm. These cases are then used as a reference group to compare with the person’s attitude, sense of coherence, and anxiety. The program provides feedback for the person and uses this information to guide the person through the problem-solving process.

Conclusions

This computer-based peer-support program is the first example of an advanced computer-oriented approach using artificial intelligence, both in the profiling of the disease and in profiling the person’s complaints for hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo.

Endolymphatic hydrops in patients with vestibular migraine and auditory symptoms

Vertigo patients exhibiting features of vestibular migraine (VM) and Menière's disease (MD) present a difficult diagnostic challenge to the clinician, and the two entities are likely to overlap. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of endolymphatic hydrops in patients with VM and auditory symptoms. This was an observatory diagnostic study. At an academic interdisciplinary dizziness centre, nineteen consecutive patients with definite or probable VM and auditory symptoms were examined by locally enhanced inner ear MR imaging. MR images were evaluated for the presence of endolymphatic hydrops. Of the 19 included patients, four patients (21 %) demonstrated evidence of cochlear and vestibular endolymphatic hydrops on locally enhanced inner ear MR imaging (three with "definite VM", one with "probable VM"). Locally enhanced inner ear MR imaging may be useful in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with VM and auditory symptoms, as some of these patients have signs of endolymphatic hydrops. Whether these patients suffer from MD only and are misdiagnosed as VM or suffer from both, VM and MD or whether endolymphatic hydrops is a consequence of inner ear damage due to VM are clinically relevant questions that can be evaluated by application of this technique.

Vestibular migraine

Vestibular migraine is now considered a distinct diagnostic entity by both the Barany Society and the International Headache Society. The recognition of vestibular migraine as a diagnostic entity required decades and was presaged by several reports indicating that a large proportion of patients with migraine headaches have vestibular symptoms and that a large proportion of patients with undiagnosed episodic vestibular symptoms have migraine headache. Despite the availability of diagnostic criteria for vestibular migraine, challenges to diagnosis include variability in terms of the character of dizziness, the presence or absence of clearly defined attacks, the duration of attacks, and the temporal association between headache or other migrainous features and vestibular symptoms. Also, symptoms of vestibular migraine often overlap with symptoms of other causes of dizziness, especially Ménière's disease and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This article will discuss the demographics, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, physical examination findings, laboratory testing, comorbidities, treatment options, and pathophysiology of vestibular migraine. Future research in the field of vestibular migraine should include both clinical and basic science efforts to better understand the pathophysiology of this condition. Controlled treatment trials for vestibular migraine are desperately needed.

Accompanying Symptoms Overlap during Attacks in Menière's Disease and Vestibular Migraine

Menière’s disease and vestibular migraine (VM) are the most common causes of spontaneous recurrent vertigo. The current diagnostic criteria for the two disorders are mainly based on patients’ symptoms, and no biological marker is available. When applying these criteria, an overlap of the two disorders is occasionally observed in clinical practice. Therefore, the present prospective multicenter study aimed to identify accompanying symptoms that may help to differentiate between MD, VM, and probable vestibular migraine (pVM). Two hundred and sixty-eight patients were included in the study (MD: n = 119, VM: n = 84, pVM: n = 65). Patients with MD suffered mainly from accompanying auditory symptoms (tinnitus, fullness of ear, and hearing loss), while accompanying migraine symptoms (migraine-type headache, photo-/phonophobia, visual aura), anxiety, and palpitations were more common during attacks of VM. However, it has to be noted that a subset of MD patients also experienced (migraine-type) headache during the attacks. On the other hand, some VM/pVM patients reported accompanying auditory symptoms. The female/male ratio was statistically higher in VM/pVM as compared to MD, while the age of onset was significantly lower in the former two. The frequency of migraine-type headache was significantly higher in VM as compared to both pVM and MD. Accompanying headache of any type was observed in declining order in VM, pVM, and MD. In conclusion, the present study confirms a considerable overlap of symptoms in MD, VM, and pVM. In particular, we could not identify any highly specific symptom for one of the three entities. It is rather the combination of symptoms that should guide diagnostic reasoning. The identification of common symptom patterns in VM and MD may help to refine future diagnostic criteria for the two disorders.

Migraine and dizziness

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Awareness of the importance of migraine in patients with symptoms of vestibular dysfunction is increasing. This article gives an overview of the multiple facets of the link between migraine and vestibular dysfunction.

RECENT FINDINGS

The vestibular and the headache community have published a consensual definition of vestibular migraine, which is an important step to promote research on the topic and the awareness of clinicians. Vestibular migraine is considered the most common cause of spontaneous recurrent vertigo. So far, the evidence for vestibular migraine has been mainly epidemiological, but the recent follow-up of a cohort over 9 years could show the robustness of the diagnosis over time.Additionally, migraine and vestibular dysfunction have multiple potential interactions and links through a range of comorbidities such as Menière's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, anxiety and motion sickness, which go beyond the diagnostic entity of vestibular migraine.

SUMMARY

The further refinement and wider acceptance of the diagnostic entity of vestibular migraine is an important development as it is one the most common vestibular disorders. But the relationship between migraine and vestibular dysfunction is complex and has many aspects beyond vestibular migraine.

Motion sensitivity and caloric responsiveness in vestibular migraine and Meniere's disease

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

We examined whether scores on a motion sensitivity questionnaire (MSQ) could distinguish between vestibular migraine (VM) and Meniere's disease (MD). As a secondary goal, we examined whether scores on the MSQ correlated with results from caloric testing.

STUDY DESIGN

This study administered a telephone questionnaire to subjects who met clinical criteria for vestibular migraine, Meniere's disease, and controls.

METHODS

A MSQ was administered to 20 subjects meeting American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) criteria for MD, 30 subjects meeting Neuhauser criteria for both probable vestibular migraine (pVM) and definite vestibular migraine (dVM), and 22 controls.

RESULTS

The average score on the MSQ was 5.9 for VM, 4.25 for MD, and 0.4 for controls. Both the VM and MD scored significantly higher than the controls (P = 0.0001), but results were not statistically different from each other (P = 0.17). However, the average score for subjects with dVM was 7.1, which was significantly higher than subjects with pVM whose average score was 4.2 (P = 0.045) and higher than subjects with MD (P = 0.048). When each question of the MSQ was analyzed, motion sensitivity to riding in a car was found to be significantly different between VM (average score 1.1) and MD (average score 0.5), with P value of 0.048. Scores of MSQ did not correlate with the total eye speed (TES) on caloric testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects with VM and MD had elevated levels of motion sensitivity compared to controls. Subjects with VM had more motion sensitivity to riding in a car than those with MD, but their TES was not different.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3b.