Res Vestib Sci.  2012 Sep;11(3):81-87.

Pathophysiology of Vestibular Migraine

• Oh SY
• Yang TH

Abstract

Vestibular migraine (VM) is an increasingly recognized cause of episodic recurrent vertigo. However, the pathophysiology of VM is still a matter of speculation. An understanding of the relationship between migraine and the vestibular system increases knowledge of the pathogenesis of both migraine and vertigo. The pathophysiology of VM has been known to be related to cortical spreading depression, neurotransmitters (i.e., serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine, calcitonin gene-related peptide) and calcium ion channel disorder. Moreover, VM is related with Meniere's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, motion sickness, cerebellar dysfunction, or comorbid psychotic disorder. This review refines recently proposed pathophysiological concept for VM and relationships between migraine and other related disorders.

Keyword

Migraine; Vertigo; Pathophysiology

MeSH Terms

Calcitonin
Calcium Channels
Cerebellar Diseases
Cortical Spreading Depression
Dopamine
Meniere Disease
Migraine Disorders
Motion Sickness
Neurotransmitter Agents
Norepinephrine
Psychotic Disorders
Serotonin
Vertigo
Vestibular Neuronitis
Calcitonin
Calcium Channels
Dopamine
Neurotransmitter Agents
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
Vertigo