Neurology and Therapy (May 2024)

Photophobia and Visual Triggers in Vestibular Migraine

  • Xiaodong Zou,
  • Jiahui He,
  • Mengting Zhou,
  • Fangling Zhao,
  • Xiulin Tian,
  • Xiaopei Xu,
  • Wenwu Hong,
  • Faming Wang,
  • Juanyan Chen,
  • Chenghui Qin,
  • Jinjin Xia,
  • Yuying Xie,
  • Yujin Xiao,
  • Kaiming Liu,
  • Liang Guo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40120-024-00631-8
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 4
pp. 1191 – 1201

Abstract

Read online

Abstract Introduction Vestibular migraine (VM) is a prevalent vestibular disorder characterized by episodic vertigo. However, the relationship between photophobia and visual triggers in VM remains unexplored. We investigated the correlation of photophobia during the VM attack with interictal photosensitivity and visually triggering dizziness in patients with VM. Methods We enrolled patients diagnosed with VM, with or without photophobia, across seven specialized vertigo and headache clinics in China. Healthy individuals were also included as a control group. Using a cross-sectional survey design, we collected data related to light intensity and dizziness frequency triggered by flicker, glare, and eyestrain using the Headache Triggers Sensitivity and Avoidance Questionnaire. Results A total of 366 patients were recruited. The photosensitivity and frequency of dizziness induced by flicker, glare, and eyestrain observed in patients with VM and photophobia were significantly elevated compared with those in patients without photophobia and control participants (P < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was observed between photosensitivity levels and dizziness frequency triggered by flicker, glare, and eyestrain in patients with VM and photophobia (P < 0.001). Conclusions This study unequivocally established a positive association of ictal photophobia with interictal photosensitivity and visually triggering dizziness, strongly advocating the need for further research on exposure-based therapies for managing VM. Clinical trials registration: ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier, NCT04939922, retrospectively registered, 14th June 2021.

Keywords