Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Preventive Therapies for Vestibular Migraine: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis - Report - MDSpire

Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Preventive Therapies for Vestibular Migraine: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

  • By

  • Sindhu Vasireddy

  • Shankar Biswas

  • Raja Kollu

  • Elangovan Krishnan

  • Mohammed Semaal Khan

  • Fasil C

  • Arjun Jayakumar

  • Reena Acharya

  • December 30, 2025

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Preventive Therapies for Vestibular Migraine

Overview

This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of various preventive therapies for vestibular migraine (VM). Findings indicate that all medications significantly reduced vertigo attacks, with propranolol showing the largest benefits, while the CGRP antibody galcanezumab demonstrated the strongest evidence quality and tolerability.

Background

Vestibular migraine affects 1–3% of the population and is a leading cause of recurrent vertigo, significantly impairing quality of life. Current treatment options are largely empirical, lacking specific evidence for VM, which complicates clinical decision-making. The economic burden of VM is substantial, highlighting the need for effective preventive therapies.

Data Highlights

No specific numerical data was provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • All preventive medications analyzed significantly reduced vertigo attacks.
  • Propranolol showed the largest benefits among traditional migraine preventives.
  • Galcanezumab, a newer CGRP antibody, had the strongest evidence quality and best tolerability.
  • The analysis emphasizes the need for direct comparison studies between promising treatments.
  • Current treatment approaches for VM are largely empirical, borrowing from migraine prophylaxis.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the comparative effectiveness and tolerability of preventive treatments for vestibular migraine when making treatment decisions. The findings support the use of propranolol and galcanezumab as viable options, while highlighting the need for further studies to establish clearer treatment guidelines.

Conclusion

This systematic review provides valuable insights into the efficacy and safety of preventive therapies for vestibular migraine, aiding clinicians in treatment selection. Future research should focus on direct comparisons of the most promising therapies to enhance clinical guidance.

References

  1. Chen et al., Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 2023 -- Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Preventive Therapies for Vestibular Migraine
  2. Vestibular migraine: Diagnostic criteria (Update): Literature update 2021: Consensus document of the Bárány Society and the International Headache Society - PMC
  3. Propranolol and venlafaxine for vestibular migraine prophylaxis: A randomized controlled trial - PubMed
  4. Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Tinnitus Following Vestibular Schwannoma Treatment: A Systematic Review and Comparative Study of Microsurgical and Stereotactic Radiosurgical Approaches
  5. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism — Thorough Evaluation of Various Interventions for Active Graves Orbitopathy: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis
  6. Brain — Connecting the Dots: Molecular Mechanisms, Regional Activity, and Neural Connectivity in Headache Disorders
  7. Clinical Rheumatology — Effectiveness and Safety of Treatments for Coexisting Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review
  8. Connecting the Dots: Molecular Mechanisms, Regional Activity, and Neural Connectivity in Headache Disorders
  9. Thorough Evaluation of Various Interventions for Active Graves Orbitopathy: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis
  10. Tinnitus Following Vestibular Schwannoma Treatment: A Systematic Review and Comparative Study of Microsurgical and Stereotactic Radiosurgical Approaches
  11. Vestibular migraine: Diagnostic criteria (Update): Literature update 2021: Consensus document of the Bárány Society and the International Headache Society - PMC
  12. Propranolol and venlafaxine for vestibular migraine prophylaxis: A randomized controlled trial - PubMed
  13. Comparative effectiveness and safety of preventive treatments for vestibular migraine: a systematic review and network meta-analysis - PMC

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