Vestibular Migraine: A Systematic Literature Search and Narrative Review of Diagnostic Criteria, Pathophysiology, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment Approaches

This review aimed to summarize current evidence on the diagnostic criteria, pathophysiological mechanisms, differential diagnosis, and treatment approaches of vestibular migraine. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for studies published between May 2021 and May 2026....

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Audiologists and vestibular specialists managing patients with unexplained dizziness should be familiar with vestibular migraine diagnostic criteria and its overlap with Menière's disease, but this review does not introduce new evidence that changes established protocols.

Vestibular migraine is among the most common causes of episodic vertigo and frequently overlaps with conditions managed by audiologists, making accurate differential diagnosis essential for appropriate referral and care.

1. 01Systematic narrative review of vestibular migraine covering diagnosis, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and treatment.
2. 02Addresses overlap and distinction from other vestibular disorders such as Menière's disease and BPPV.
3. 03Published in Medeni Medical Journal (Aug 2026).
4. 04Reviews established diagnostic criteria (e.g., ICHD-3/Barany Society criteria) in a consolidated format.
5. 05Useful as a clinical reference for audiologists encountering patients with episodic dizziness.

PMID

42643076

DOI

10.4274/MMJ.galenos.2026.94020.

Journal

Medeni Medical Journal

Publication type

review

Evidence level

5

Population

Patients with vestibular migraine (literature review; no primary patient cohort)

Intervention

Narrative synthesis of diagnostic criteria, pathophysiology, and treatment approaches for vestibular migraine