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Coordinates-based meta-analysis for vestibular migraine and the underlying mechanisms behind it

Xiao-Ping Fan, Liang Dong, Hui Li, Kuiyun Wang, Ji-Ying Zhou

Frontiers in Neurology, 2025

103 participants · 3 citations

Abstract

Background Vestibular migraine (VM) is a leading cause of recurrent vertigo episodes. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) is a reliable technique to analyze structural changes, particularly in gray matter (GM) volume, across various neurological conditions. Despite the growing amount of neuroimaging data in recent decades, a comprehensive review of GM alterations in VM remains lacking. Methods We conducted a systematic review of three English-language databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) and two Chinese-language databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang) to evaluate existing neuroimaging data on GM volume in VM patients. A coordinate-based meta-analysis (CBMA) was performed using the latest algorithm, seed-based d mapping with permutation of subject images (SDM-PSI), to identify brain alterations across individual studies. Results Five studies (103 VM patients, 107 HCs) were included. The CBMA demonstrated a significant reduction in GM volume in VM patients compared to HCs, with peak convergence in the left rolandic operculum (SDM-Z = −3.68, p-corrected = 0.004, voxels = 629; Brodmann area 48), extending to the posterior insula. Heterogeneity across studies was low (I2 = 19.35%), and no publication bias was detected (Egger’s test: p = 0.826). Conclusion This meta-analysis confirms reliable GM volume alterations in the posterior insula–operculum region of VM patients. Longitudinal studies with standardized imaging protocols are needed to clarify…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 103 participants or records.

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