Vestibular Migraine Affects Nearly 3% of Americans, Leaving Many Dizzy Patients Misdiagnosed
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 6
Vestibular Migraine Affects Nearly 3% of Americans, Leaving Many Dizzy Patients Misdiagnosed
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 6
Summary
Only about 10% of vestibular migraine patients in a 2018 study were told migraine was causing their dizziness, even though the condition can bring vertigo, disequilibrium, and light and sound sensitivity.
Nearly 3% of Americans may have the disorder, according to the study, and researchers say that figure is likely an undercount because doctors often dismiss migraine when no headache is present.
Five months passed before Dallas watch designer Alicia Wolf received the diagnosis after seeing multiple specialists, with earlier doctors attributing her symptoms to vertigo, anxiety, depression, or a lingering cold.
UCSF otolaryngologist Jeffrey Sharon called vestibular migraine "the most common disease you've never heard of," arguing the vestibular system remains a neglected area of medicine.