Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and Migraine

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most frequent cause of vertigo in adults and migraine is the most frequent cause of headache in humans. Females are more commonly affected than males in both diseases. Over the last 15 years, interesting, important relationships between the two disorders have been studied and proposed. Here we review the pathophysiology and diagnosis of BPPV both in its simple and linear presentations and in its more complex forms in which the patterns of nystagmus are less easily understood. We also mention the main therapeutic options for treating posterior and lateral canal BPPV. Possible correlations between BPPV and migraine are described. Finally, since migraine can cause vestibular symptoms, including positional vertigo, suggestions are given for differential diagnosis between the two diseases.