Cochlear symptoms and MRI findings in vestibular migraine: a narrative review

Menière's disease (MD) and vestibular migraine (VM) are two of the most common episodic vertigos. Both are diagnosed by clinical history, manifestations and for MD a typical pattern of hearing loss audiometrically confirmed is needed. The description of concomitant cochlear symptoms during acute VM attacks makes the differential diagnosis between the two conditions challenging....

Audiologists managing patients with episodic vertigo should be aware that cochlear (inner-ear) symptoms and MRI findings in vestibular migraine can overlap significantly with Menière's disease, but this narrative review does not yet provide evidence-based criteria to change differential diagnosis protocols.

Distinguishing vestibular migraine from Menière's disease remains a major clinical challenge; clearer characterisation of cochlear symptoms and MRI patterns could reduce misdiagnosis and improve management pathways.

1. 01Narrative review of cochlear symptoms (e.g., hearing changes, ear fullness) and MRI findings in vestibular migraine.
2. 02Compares vestibular migraine with Menière's disease to aid differential diagnosis.
3. 03Episodic vertigo classification frameworks are discussed.
4. 04Narrative reviews carry inherent risk of selection bias and lack quantitative pooling.
5. 05Relevant to audiologists and otoneurologists managing episodic vertigo patients.

PMID

42165877

DOI

10.1007/s00405-026-10318-5.

Journal

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

Publication type

review

Evidence level

5

Population

Patients with vestibular migraine and Menière's disease with episodic vertigo

Intervention

Review of cochlear symptoms and MRI findings in vestibular migraine

Comparator

Menière's disease