Personalized Diagnosis and Functional Impact of Vestibular Migraine in Women Aged 20-50: Cross-Sectional Analysis from Neurotology Clinic.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Vestibular migraine is a frequently underdiagnosed cause of dizziness in adult females, often overlapping clinically with other vestibular and neurological conditions. Despite its recognition in diagnostic criteria, limited data exist on its prevalence and functional impact in women presenting with dizziness in clinical settings. This study assesses the frequency and diagnostic rate of vestibular migraine among females aged 20-50 years presenting with dizziness and evaluates its impact on quality of life and work productivity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, which included 196 female patients reporting dizziness who were evaluated. Vestibular migraine was diagnosed using ICHD-3 criteria. Functional impact was assessed using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire. Group comparisons and regression analyses were conducted using SPSS version 24. Results: Vestibular migraine was diagnosed in 84 participants, yielding a prevalence rate of 42.86% (95% CI: 36.13-49.86%). Compared to non-migraine participants, those with vestibular migraine had longer dizziness duration (37.62 ± 11.34 vs. 24.58 ± 10.49 min, p = 0.032), higher DHI (58.34 ± 15.62 vs. 32.76 ± 14.83, p < 0.001) and WPAI scores (42.19 ± 13.45 vs. 23.47 ± 12.90, p < 0.001), and more missed workdays. Regression analysis identified vestibular migraine, poor sleep, anxiety/depression, and BMI as significant predictors of work impairment. Conclusions: Vestibular migraine is a prevalent and functionally disabling condition among women with dizziness, underscoring the importance of systematic diagnosis and multidisciplinary management.