Endolymphatic Sac Decompression Shows Promise in Treating Vertigo and Migraine in Meniere's Disease Patients

A recent study published in Acta Oto-Laryngologica highlights the effectiveness of endolymphatic sac decompression (ELSD) in alleviating symptoms of vertigo and migraine for patients suffering from Meniere's disease (MD), especially those with accompanying migraines. The study, conducted by researchers including Lin Han from Peking University, involved 104 MD patients and aimed to understand the connection between MD and migraine, as well as the impact of ELSD on symptom relief.

Patients were monitored for their frequency of vertigo episodes and migraine severity before and after undergoing ELSD. The results showed that nearly half of the patients with MD alone experienced vertigo relief post-surgery, with a relief rate of 46.7%. Patients with MD and migraine had a slightly lower relief rate of 40.68%, but both groups demonstrated significant reductions in monthly vertigo episodes and migraine severity. The correlation between vertigo and migraine outcomes was moderate, suggesting some shared underlying mechanisms.

Interestingly, the study identified that the absence of hypertension was a predictor of better relief, and male gender independently predicted migraine improvement. The findings support the hypothesis that vertigo and migraines may share common inflammatory pathways, contributing to their co-occurrence in MD patients.

Overall, ELSD appears to be a promising surgical intervention for symptom relief in MD patients, particularly those suffering from both vertigo and migraines. The study underscores the importance of personalized treatment plans and further research to better understand the shared pathophysiology of these conditions.

More details and the full study can be accessed through the DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2025.2491651.