Virtual Reality-Based Vestibular Rehabilitation in Vestibular Migraine
Turkey (Türkiye)40 participantsStarted 2025-03-01
Plain-language summary
Vestibular migraine (VM) is a common neurological condition characterized by recurrent episodes of dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems, often accompanied by migraine symptoms. These symptoms can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life. Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is a non-pharmacological treatment approach aimed at improving balance, reducing dizziness, and promoting central compensation mechanisms.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-based vestibular rehabilitation in patients with vestibular migraine. Participants diagnosed with definite VM will be randomly assigned to two groups: one group will receive a conventional home-based vestibular rehabilitation program, while the other group will receive the same home-based program in addition to a clinic-based virtual reality rehabilitation program.
The intervention will last for four weeks. Clinical outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention using both objective and subjective measures, including functional vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) performance, postural control, balance, dizziness severity, psychological status, and quality of life.
The study aims to determine whether adding virtual reality-based rehabilitation to conventional home exercises provides additional benefits in improving balance, reducing symptoms, and enhancing functional outcomes in patients with vestibular migraine.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 60 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Diagnosis of definite vestibular migraine according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3)
* Age between 18 and 60 years
* Confirmation of vestibular migraine diagnosis using a validated diagnostic scale
* Not receiving acute pharmacological treatment for vestibular migraine at the time of enrollment
* Ability to perform activities of daily living independently
* No visual impairment or ocular disease that would interfere with assessment or rehabilitation
* Ability to understand and comply with study procedures
* Provision of written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Medical contraindications to head movements required for vestibular rehabilitation (e.g., severe cervical disorders)
* Intolerance to virtual reality equipment or conditions preventing its use
* Presence of severe comorbid conditions (e.g., life-threatening disease, severe cognitive impairment, neurological disorder, or severe psychiatric disorder)
* Presence of central nervous system disorders
* Diagnosis of vestibular disorders other than vestibular migraine
* Inability or unwillingness to perform home-based or virtual reality-based vestibular rehabilitation
* Incomplete participation in required assessment procedures
* Physical disability preventing independent walking
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in balance performance measured by Sensory Organization Test (SOT)
Timeframe: Baseline and 4 weeks
2
Change in functional vestibulo-ocular reflex performance measured by the Functional Head Impulse Test (fHIT)
Timeframe: Baseline and 4 weeks
3
Change in dynamic balance measured by the Limits of Stability test (LOS)