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Vestibular Neuroscience for the Headache Specialist
Author(s) -
Balaban Carey D.,
Black Robert D.,
Silberstein Stephen D.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
headache: the journal of head and face pain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.14
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1526-4610
pISSN - 0017-8748
DOI - 10.1111/head.13550
Subject(s) - vestibular system , migraine , sensory system , neuroscience , medicine , balance (ability) , neurology , psychology , psychiatry
Background The vestibular system is a multifaceted, integrative sensory system that is often referred to as the “multi‐sensory” sense. There is an extensive literature about the vestibular sensory organs and afferent nerve pathways; however, this rich resource is often unknown to the headache specialist. Aims In this review, we highlight the significance of vestibular sensory processing beyond its role in the maintenance of balance. The role of the vestibular system in migraine pathophysiology is emphasized, not just in how it impacts dizziness or nausea, but also in its higher order effects on mood and cognition. How the vestibular system responds to current and new migraine therapies, such as anti‐CGRP (calcitonin gene‐related peptide) antibodies, is also discussed. Conclusions The vestibular system is not just about balance; this should be taken into account by clinicians as they assess their patients' associated non‐headache symptoms. There is a co‐occurrence of migraine and vestibular‐based problems and a confluence of disciplines relevant to vestibular migraine.