Effects of valproate on vestibular symptoms and electronystagmographic findings in migraine patients.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of valproic acid on vestibular symptoms and electronystagmography (ENG) findings in patients with migraine-related vestibulopathy.

METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with migraine (13 with vertigo, 13 with dizziness, and 11 without vestibular symptoms) were included in the study. Slow-released valproic acid (500 mg/d) was given for 3 months. Frequency of headache and vestibular symptoms in the first, second, and third months of the therapy were recorded and compared with the pretreatment values. The ENG findings were also evaluated before and 2 months after the therapy.

RESULTS: We determined that prophylactic low-dose valproic acid decreased the frequency of headache and vestibular symptoms, although it does not cause any statistically meaningful change in ENG findings.

CONCLUSIONS: Valproate can be used satisfactorily for patients with migraine who have vestibular complaints. Ineffectiveness of valproic acid on ENG findings can be clarified by the permanent effect of migraine on the vestibular system.