Effects of valproate on vestibular symptoms and electronystagmographic findings in migraine patients.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Celiker
Arif
A
Department of Neurology, Pamukkale University Medical Faculty, Denizli, Turkey.
Bir
Levent Sinan
LS
Ardiç
Necdet
N
D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004584:Electronystagmography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014717:Vertigo / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid