An epidemiological study to investigate the relationship between Meniere's disease and migraine.

OBJECTIVES

A relationship between Meniere's disease and migraine has been postulated previously. This study investigates this relationship further and determines the most influential factors for developing Meniere's disease.

DESIGN

Epidemiological study.

SETTING

Two tertiary referral Neuro-Otological centres in Sheffield and Sydney.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients referred to the Neuro-Otology clinic between 2003 and 2010.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Past history and family history of Meniere's disease and migraine. Logistic regression analysis to determine the most influential factors for Meniere's disease.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-one patients were included in the study, 102 with Meniere's disease and 79 with other balance disorders. Three significant findings were demonstrated. Firstly, a family history of Meniere's disease (33.3% versus 6.3%) or migraine (21.6% versus 9%) is more common in the Meniere's disease group than in the other balance disorders group. Secondly, a history of migrainous headaches is more common in the Meniere's disease group than in the other balance disorders group (45.1% versus 9%). Thirdly, patients with a past history or a family history of Meniere's disease or migraine have a higher likelihood of suffering from Meniere's disease.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an overall relationship between Meniere's disease and migraine. A family history of Meniere's disease or migraine is more common in Meniere's disease. A history of migrainous headache is more common in Meniere's disease. Patients with a past history or family history of Meniere's disease or migraine have a higher likelihood of suffering from Meniere's disease.