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Can a Chronic BPPV With a History of Trauma be the Trigger of Symptoms in Vestibular Migraine, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), and Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD)? A Retrospective Cohort Study

C. Tjell, Wenche Iglebekk, P. Borenstein

Otology and Neurotology, 2019

15 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND

In patients with chronic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), i.e., chronic vestibular multicanalicular canalithiasis (CVMCC), abnormal signals are transmitted from diseased labyrinths via the healthy vestibular nuclei complex to their end organs. The vestibulo-thalamo-cortical reflex as proposed in vestibular migraine is just one of these reflexes. In a group of patients diagnosed with CVMCC otolith repositioning maneuvers specific for each semicircular canal (SCC) ameliorated pain and other symptoms in 90%. Increased awareness of CVMCC may reduce suffering and continuous medication.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if CVMCC can be the trigger of symptoms in vestibular migraine, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and whiplash associated disorders (WAD).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective consecutive observational cohort study.

SETTING

Ambulatory at a private Otoneurology Centre.

PATIENTS

One hundred sixty-three patients with CVMCC and a history of trauma.

INTERVENTION

Based on the symptoms (structured symptom questionnaire), the patients are post hoc sub grouped according to the criteria of the different diagnoses.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Frequency of patients with CVMCC who fulfill the criteria of the different diagnoses.

RESULTS

98% of all patients with CVMCC fulfill the Barany Society criteria of a probable vestibular migraine; 17% fulfill the International Classification of Headache Disorders defined vestibular migraine criteria; 63% fulfill the…

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