This article originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of On The Level.
Vestibular migraine (VM) is a condition that causes dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues, significantly impacting daily life.
Distinguishing VM from other dizziness-related conditions can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms. The study “Self-reported Physical Activity Differentiates Vestibular Migraine from Other Causes of Dizziness” examines whether differences in physical activity levels can help differentiate VM from other vestibular disorders.
Purpose of the Study
The study investigates whether self-reported physical activity levels can serve as a diagnostic tool for differentiating VM from other dizziness-related conditions.
Since vestibular disorders often lead to physical limitations and avoidance behaviors due to fear of imbalance or symptom worsening, the researchers aimed to determine if physical activity patterns vary between VM patients and those with other vestibular conditions.
Methodology
The researchers collected data from individuals with dizziness, assessing their self-reported physical activity levels.
They then compared the activity patterns of those diagnosed with VM against those of individuals with other vestibular conditions. The study focused on aspects such as the frequency, intensity, and types of physical activities reported by participants.
Key Findings
The study found that individuals with VM tend to exhibit distinct physical activity patterns compared to those with other causes of dizziness.
Reduced Physical Activity in VM Patients
Those diagnosed with vestibular migraine reported lower levels of physical activity, likely due to sensitivity to movement and fear of triggering symptoms.
Differences in Activity Avoidance
VM patients were more likely to avoid specific activities that involve head or body movement, whereas those with other vestibular conditions exhibited different avoidance behaviors.
Potential Diagnostic Tool
Since VM patients displayed unique patterns in physical activity levels, tracking these behaviors could help doctors distinguish VM from other vestibular disorders.
Implications and Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of considering self-reported physical activity levels when evaluating patients with dizziness. Since VM presents differently in terms of activity engagement and avoidance, incorporating physical activity assessment into diagnostic criteria could improve accuracy and lead to better treatment strategies.
For clinicians, this research suggests that understanding a patient’s lifestyle and activity limitations can provide additional diagnostic clues. It also emphasizes the need for tailored management plans that encourage safe physical activity while minimizing symptom triggers. Future research could explore how physical rehabilitation programs might benefit VM patients and help improve their activity levels over time.
Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the relationship between physical activity and vestibular disorders, offering a potential new approach for distinguishing VM from other causes of dizziness.
Reviewed by Denise Schneider, DPT, FAAOMPT
Source: Joffily L, Mayet U, Kaski D. Self-reported physical activity differentiates vestibular migraine from persistent postural perceptual dizziness. Journal of Vestibular Research. 2025;0(0). doi:10.1177/09574271251318971
