Vestibular Migraine: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Vestibular migraine is an increasingly recognized cause of episodic vertigo and dizziness, positioning itself as one of the most common vestibular disorders in the field of neuro-otology. Since its conceptualization in the 1980s, based on observational studies and epidemiological research, the association between migraine and vestibular symptoms has been well-documented. Over the last decade, the establishment of widely accepted diagnostic criteria by the International Headache Society and the Bárány Society has significantly advanced research in this area. However, vestibular migraine remains less clearly delineated compared to other vestibular disorders due to its heterogeneous clinical presentation, lack of diagnostic markers, and overlap with other conditions such as Menière’s disease. The pathophysiology of vestibular migraine is still unknown, and its treatment is not yet evidence-based, highlighting the need for further investigation to improve diagnosis and management.

This Research Topic aims to explore the complexities of vestibular migraine, with the goal of elucidating its pathophysiology, refining diagnostic criteria, and exploring effective treatment options. Key objectives include answering specific questions about the clinical presentation and duration of symptoms, identifying potential diagnostic markers, and distinguishing vestibular migraine from other similar disorders. Additionally, we seek to understand the interplay between migraine and the vestibular system, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals affected by this condition.

We encourage researchers from all related disciplines to submit any types of manuscripts supported by the journal, pertaining but not limited to the following topics:
- Phenotypes and clinical subgroups in vestibular migraine
- Clinical findings in the acute episode and in the interval
- Reviewing and revising diagnostic criteria for vestibular migraine
- Characterizing patients who do not (yet) meet diagnostic criteria
- The borderland between vestibular migraine and other vestibular disorders such as Menière’s disease, recurrent vestibulopathy of unknown cause, and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD)
- Laboratory testing
- Functional imaging
- Pharmacological treatment and non-pharmacological interventions
- Psychological aspects, burden, and prognosis of vestibular migraine
- Chronic symptoms in vestibular migraine
- Association between migraine and other vestibular disorders

Topic Editor Prof. Alexander Tarnutzer has received consultant and / or speaker fees from AstraZeneca, Medtronic, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma and Schwabe Pharma. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Vestibular Migraine, migraine-associated vertigo, MAV, vestibular system, vertigo, dizziness, balance disorders, headache disorders, sensory sensitivities, neuro-otology

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.