Abstract

Background
and Objectives: Chronic recurrent attacks of vertigo, not associated with any auditory or neurological symptoms, are a common reason for referral to our neurotology clinic. Even after an extensive neurotological evaluation, some cases remain undiagnosed. We have performed this study to assess the prevalence of migraine in patients with idiopathic isolated recurrent vertigo as compared with controls, and to identify the clinical features and abnormalities of vestibular testing in patients with isolated recurrent vertigo. Materials and methods: We prospectively evaluated 72 consecutive patients who presented to the clinic with isolated recurrent vertigo of unknown cause. All patients underwent diagnostic evaluation to exclude identifiable causes of isolated recurrent vertigo. We compared the prevalence of migraine, according to the International Headache Society (IHS) criteria, in the isolated recurrent vertigo group, with a sex- and age-matched control group of orthopaedic patients. Results: The prevalence of migraine according to IHS criteria was higher in the isolated recurrent vertigo group (61.1 %) than in the control group (10 %; p<0.01). Only 16.7 % of patients had an abnormal vestibular function test. The most common abnormal finding was a unilateral vestibular weakness to caloric stimulation. Conclusions: Our results suggest that migraine should be considered in the differential diagnosis of isolated recurrent vertigo of unknown cause.

• Keywords: Recurrent vertigo;Migraine;