A recent study found a much higher prevalence of vestibular migraine (VM) in the United States than previously reported. These results, therefore, indicate a likely under-diagnosis of VM. Researchers evaluated the responses of participants (n=21,781) in the 2008 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) balance and dizziness supplement, which were analyzed using statistical software. They found:
- The 1-year prevalence of a dizziness or balance problem in the United States was 11.9% (2490 respondents).
- Of respondents with dizziness, 584 (23.4%) met the case definition of VM, which represents a prevalence of VM in 2.7% of adults.
- There was a female preponderance (64.1%) and a slightly younger mean age (40.9 years) for those with VM as compared with all respondents (51.7% females and 46 years, respectively).
- Multivariate analysis showed that age <40, female sex, anxiety, depression, and prior head trauma were all associated with significantly increased odds of experiencing VM.
- Only 10% of subjects meeting criteria for VM were told that migraine was the cause of their dizziness.
The epidemiology of vestibular migraine: A population-based survey study. [Published online ahead of print July 16, 2018]. Otol Neurotol . doi:10.1097/MAO.0000000000001900.