Vestibular migraine ( VM ) is the most common cause of episodic vertigo in children. Researchers have summarized the clinical findings and laboratory test results in a cohort of children and adolescents with vestibular migraine.

A retrospective chart analysis was performed on 118 children with migraine related vertigo at a tertiary care center. Patients were grouped in the following categories: (1) definite vestibular migraine ( dVM ); (2) probable vestibular migraine ( pVM ); (3) suspected vestibular migraine ( sVM ); (4) benign paroxysmal vertigo ( BPV ); and (5) migraine with/without aura ( oM ) plus vertigo/dizziness according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition ( beta version ).

The mean age of all patients was 12 ± 3 years ( range 3-18 years, 70 females ). 36 patients ( 30% ) fulfilled criteria for definite vestibular migraine, 33 ( 28% ) for probable vestibular migraine, 34 ( 29% ) for suspected vestibular migraine, 7 ( 6% ) for benign paroxysmal vertigo, and 8 ( 7% ) for migraine with/without aura.

Somatoform vertigo ( SV ) co-occurred in 27% of patients.

Episodic syndromes were reported in 8%; the family history of migraine was positive in 65%.

Mild central ocular motor signs were found in 24% ( most frequently horizontal saccadic pursuit ).

Laboratory tests showed that about 20% had pathological function of the horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflex, and almost 50% had abnormal postural sway patterns.

In conclusion, patients with definite, probable, and suspected vestibular migraine do not differ in the frequency of ocular motor, vestibular, or postural abnormalities. ( Xagena )

Langhagen T et al, Front Neurol 2015;5:292

XagenaMedicine2015