Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis

Rehabilitation in Vestibular Migraine: A Narrative Review of Clinical Features, Pathophysiological Basis, and Personalized Approaches

Volume: 17 Number: October, November, December 2026 November 5, 2026

Rehabilitation in Vestibular Migraine: A Narrative Review of Clinical Features, Pathophysiological Basis, and Personalized Approaches

Abstract

Purpose: Vestibular migraine (VM) is one of the most common causes of episodic vertigo, characterized by recurrent attacks of vertigo and/or dizziness accompanied by migrainous features. However, its diagnosis is frequently delayed. In addition to headache, complaints such as motion sensitivity, visual dependence, balance impairment, and interictal dizziness may restrict activities of daily living. Because pharmacological treatments do not fully eliminate these symptoms, vestibular rehabilitation has gained prominence. This review aimed to evaluate the clinical and pathophysiological features of VM from a rehabilitation perspective. Methods: Studies published between January 2016 and May 2026 in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were screened, and 28 studies were included and synthesized narratively. Results: Mechanisms such as vestibulo-trigeminal interaction, central sensitization, multisensory integration dysfunction, and visual dependence were linked to rehabilitation targets. Although current studies support that vestibular rehabilitation may have beneficial effects on dizziness-related disability, balance, gait performance, and quality of life, the methodological heterogeneity of these studies limits the generalizability of the findings. Conclusion: Vestibular migraine should be regarded as a sensory processing disorder arising from the central interaction of visual, vestibular, somatosensory, and trigeminal networks, and rehabilitation should be personalized according to the patient’s symptom phenotype, trigger profile, and functional goals. Technology-assisted systems appear promising as a complement to structured, physiotherapist-supervised programs; in the future, phenotype-based randomized controlled trials incorporating objective outcome measures and long-term follow-up are needed.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

None

Ethical Statement

As this study is a review and does not involve human participants, experimental animals, primary data, or personally identifiable information, ethics committee approval is not required.

Thanks

None

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Journal Section

Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis

Publication Date

November 5, 2026

Submission Date

July 13, 2026

Acceptance Date

August 23, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 17 Number: October, November, December 2026

APA
Bayrak Dörtkol, C., & Dörtkol, O. (2026). Rehabilitation in Vestibular Migraine: A Narrative Review of Clinical Features, Pathophysiological Basis, and Personalized Approaches. Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 17(October, November, December 2026). https://doi.org/10.31067/acusaglik.1993494
AMA
1.Bayrak Dörtkol C, Dörtkol O. Rehabilitation in Vestibular Migraine: A Narrative Review of Clinical Features, Pathophysiological Basis, and Personalized Approaches. Acibadem Univ Saglik Bilim Derg. 2026;17(October, November, December 2026). doi:10.31067/acusaglik.1993494
Chicago
Bayrak Dörtkol, Ceren, and Ozan Dörtkol. 2026. “Rehabilitation in Vestibular Migraine: A Narrative Review of Clinical Features, Pathophysiological Basis, and Personalized Approaches”. Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 17 (October, November, December 2026). https://doi.org/10.31067/acusaglik.1993494.
EndNote
Bayrak Dörtkol C, Dörtkol O (November 5, 2026) Rehabilitation in Vestibular Migraine: A Narrative Review of Clinical Features, Pathophysiological Basis, and Personalized Approaches. Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 17 October, November, December 2026
IEEE
[1]C. Bayrak Dörtkol and O. Dörtkol, “Rehabilitation in Vestibular Migraine: A Narrative Review of Clinical Features, Pathophysiological Basis, and Personalized Approaches”, Acibadem Univ Saglik Bilim Derg, vol. 17, no. October, November, December 2026, Nov. 2026, doi: 10.31067/acusaglik.1993494.
ISNAD
Bayrak Dörtkol, Ceren - Dörtkol, Ozan. “Rehabilitation in Vestibular Migraine: A Narrative Review of Clinical Features, Pathophysiological Basis, and Personalized Approaches”. Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 17/October, November, December 2026 (November 5, 2026). https://doi.org/10.31067/acusaglik.1993494.
JAMA
1.Bayrak Dörtkol C, Dörtkol O. Rehabilitation in Vestibular Migraine: A Narrative Review of Clinical Features, Pathophysiological Basis, and Personalized Approaches. Acibadem Univ Saglik Bilim Derg. 2026;17. doi:10.31067/acusaglik.1993494.
MLA
Bayrak Dörtkol, Ceren, and Ozan Dörtkol. “Rehabilitation in Vestibular Migraine: A Narrative Review of Clinical Features, Pathophysiological Basis, and Personalized Approaches”. Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 17, no. October, November, December 2026, Nov. 2026, doi:10.31067/acusaglik.1993494.
Vancouver
1.Ceren Bayrak Dörtkol, Ozan Dörtkol. Rehabilitation in Vestibular Migraine: A Narrative Review of Clinical Features, Pathophysiological Basis, and Personalized Approaches. Acibadem Univ Saglik Bilim Derg. 2026 Nov. 5;17(October, November, December 2026). doi:10.31067/acusaglik.1993494