Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and Migraine: Is there a relation?

Abstract

Background: Migraine is characterized by episodes of moderate-to-severe headache, most often unilateral and generally associated with nausea and increased sensitivity to light and sound. BPPV is the most common cause of peripheral vertigo, accounting for over half of all cases. According to various estimates, a minimum of 20% of patients presenting to the clinic with vertigo have BPPV. This study aimed to elaborate the relation between Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and Migraine and the prevalence of Migraine in BPPV versus normal subjects.  

Patients and Methods: This case-control study was performed at Audio-vestibular unit, ENT Department at Al-Hussein University Hospital, A total of 80 subjects composed of: A- Study group: Forty patients with BPPV, B- Control group: Forty healthy individuals with normal hearing without any balance disorders, vertigo or Migraine. The clinical assessment was performed according to standard techniques (history taking, general clinical, ontological and audiological examinations). The primary outcome was the incidence of migraine in BPPV, while secondary outcome included the associated factors of migraine and BPPV

Results: Migraine was reported among 11 cases in the study group (27.5%) (8 of them have migraine without aura and 3 with aura), compared to none in the control group (p < 0.05). No significant difference between the two studied groups regarding age and gender. There is significant association between BPPV and Migraine. Meanwhile, the most common reported type was posterior BPPV (80%) and lateral type was 20%. Female gender was found to be significantly associated with migraine.

Conclusion: The BPPV was associated with increased risk of migraine and both conditions are more presented in females.