Abstract

Migraine-related dizziness (MRD) refers to a disorder in which vestibular symptoms are an integral part of migraine symptomatology. The purpose of this study was to assess the magnitude of subclinical balance dysfunction in migraine patients quantitatively and to define the pathophysiology of MRD better. Thirty-three patients with acute MRD were enrolled. Their scores on the measures of balance were compared with untreated age and sex matched migrainous patients without dizziness. The questionnaires for stress amount were asked to both groups. All the subjects underwent balance measurements that included vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing. The spectral frequency analysis of body sway while standing upright was investigated. Sensory organization tests were done by computerized dynamic posturography. There was a significant increment in the level of stress at MRD group. MRD patients had reduced VEMP amplitudes compared to the controls. MRD group's center-of-pressure sway showed a significant increase in spectral power at high frequencies. Computerized dynamic posturography showed decreased vestibular ratio in the patients with MRD. These results suggest that stress may induce abnormal vestibulo-collic reflex and disequilibrium in MRD people. The pathogenesis of MRD is likely related to both peripheral and central vestibular structure disturbances. (Korean J Str Res 2009;17:359∼367)

• Keywords: Stress, Migraine, Dizziness