Clinical Report: Correlation Between Endolymphatic Hydrops and Migraine Indicators

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between endolymphatic hydrops (EH) severity and migraine brain biomarkers using MRI. Findings indicate no significant associations between EH and established migraine indicators.

Background

Endolymphatic hydrops is a key pathological feature of Menière’s disease, characterized by recurrent vertigo and fluctuating hearing loss. Understanding the relationship between EH and migraine biomarkers is crucial, as both conditions share overlapping symptoms.

Data Highlights

No significant associations were found between EH severity and migraine biomarkers or cranial nerve volumes (all p > 0.05). Left vestibular EH grade 1 was linked to sudden hearing loss (OR 5.205, p = 0.018), and left cochlear EH grade 1 was associated with aural fullness (OR 5.019, p = 0.016).

Key Findings

• Mean age of participants was 53.6 ± 15.8 years, with 56.5% being female.
• Grade 2 vestibular EH was the most common, while grade 2 cochlear EH affected 34–43% of patients.
• No associations were found between EH severity and migraine biomarkers or cranial nerve volumes.
• Left vestibular EH grade 1 was associated with sudden hearing loss.
• Left cochlear EH grade 1 was linked to aural fullness.

Clinical Implications

The lack of correlation between EH severity and migraine biomarkers suggests that clinicians should consider the diagnostic challenges presented by overlapping symptoms.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that EH severity does not correlate with established migraine MRI biomarkers.

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