Abstract
BackgroundVestibular migraine (VM) is a subset of migraine and, as its name suggests, presents with both migrainous and vestibular symptoms. However, a more worrisome diagnosis that can present with similar features is posterior circulation transient ischemic attack (pc-TIA) presenting as episodes of isolated dizziness. ObjectivesThe purpose of this article is to introduce emergency physicians to the diagnostic features of VM focusing on epidemiological context, timing and quality of symptoms that help differentiate vestibular migraine from pc-TIA. DiscussionOur comprehensive search of epidemiologic data of VM patients found that they are more likely to be younger and female than patients with pc-TIA. Traditional vascular risk factors and a recent history of head or neck trauma are more common in pc-TIA patients. The onset of dizziness is sudden in pc-TIA with symptoms often lasting less than one hour. Moreover, symptoms tend to be positive in VM versus negative in pc-TIA. ConclusionsMedical decision making should be individualized. A new nontriggered episode of isolated dizziness or those with new transient neurological findings should be evaluated for pc-TIA. VM should be considered in younger patients who have had multiple episodes over a greater time period with other migraine-related symptoms.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
