Vestibular migraine (VM), defined as vestibular symptoms such as vertigo generated by migraine mechanisms rather than other inner ear or brain abnormalities, is a common and disabling problem. Despite its frequency, the pathophysiology of VM remains uncertain and no specific oculomotor, postural, or perceptual defect has been described in this disorder. This proposal investigates the pathophysiology of VM using quantitative psychophysical and oculomotor tests with the underlying hypothesis that the rotational information provided by the semicircular canals and the gravito-inertial information provided by the otolith organs are synthesized abnormally by the brain in VM. Three inter-related experiments will be performed to investigate this hypothesis. In VM subjects and controls groups (normal subjects, migraine patients without dizziness, dizziness patients without migraine), we will measure the effects of vestibular stimulation on perceptual thresholds (SA1), perceived magnitude of tilt and translation (SA2), and eye movement responses (SA3). Perceptual and eye movement responses are predicted to show evidence of enhanced canal-otolith interactions in the brain such that they are augmented when these two cues are congruent (e.g. roll tilt), are inhibited when the cues conflict (e.g. centrifugation), and are noral when the canals and otoliths are activated in isolation. These predictions are supported by the extensive preliminary data collected to support this proposal. This research will help to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for vestibular symptoms caused by migraine, could be critical for developing diagnostic tests that help to identify VM, and could also provide a scientific rationale for treating patients with this disorder.

Public Health Relevance

This project will investigate patients who have dizziness caused by migraine (vestibular migraine) and control subjects using use perceptual and eye movement testing. The goal is to improve understanding of vestibular migraine by helping to elucidate its underlying pathophysiology.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DC012528-02
Application #
8502251
Study Section
Sensorimotor Integration Study Section (SMI)
Program Officer
Donahue, Amy
Project Start
2012-07-01
Project End
2017-06-30
Budget Start
2013-07-01
Budget End
2014-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$377,581
Indirect Cost
$141,593
Name
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Department
Type
DUNS #
073825945
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02114
Wang, Joanne; Lewis, Richard F (2016) Contribution of intravestibular sensory conflict to motion sickness and dizziness in migraine disorders. J Neurophysiol 116:1586-1591
Wang, Joanne; Lewis, Richard F (2016) Abnormal Tilt Perception During Centrifugation in Patients with Vestibular Migraine. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 17:253-8
Lewis, Richard F (2015) Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders: psychophysics and prosthetics. J Neurosci 35:5089-96
King, Susan; Wang, Joanne; Priesol, Adrian J et al. (2014) Central Integration of Canal and Otolith Signals is Abnormal in Vestibular Migraine. Front Neurol 5:233
Lewis, Richard F; Priesol, Adrian J; Nicoucar, Keyvan et al. (2011) Dynamic tilt thresholds are reduced in vestibular migraine. J Vestib Res 21:323-30
Lewis, Richard F; Priesol, Adrian J; Nicoucar, Keyvan et al. (2011) Abnormal motion perception in vestibular migraine. Laryngoscope 121:1124-5