Virtual Reality-Based Vestibular Rehabilitation in Vestibular Migraine

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.

Conditions

• Vestibular Migraine

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Home-Based Vestibular Rehabilitation

Intervention 1 - Home-Based Vestibular Rehabilitation This intervention consists of an individualized home-based vestibular rehabilitation program designed according to each participant's symptom profile. The program includes adaptation exercises (vestibulo-ocular reflex training), habituation exercises targeting motion sensitivity, substitution strategies, and balance training. Participants will be instructed to perform the exercises three times daily, with multiple repetitions, over a four-week period. The program will be explained and demonstrated by a clinician, and participants will be provided with written and visual instructions. Adherence will be monitored through regular follow-up and weekly contact.

BEHAVIORAL

Virtual Reality-Based Vestibular Rehabilitation

This intervention consists of a clinic-based virtual reality-based vestibular rehabilitation program administered in addition to the home-based program. Participants will attend supervised sessions twice per week for four weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes. The virtual reality program includes structured tasks such as optokinetic stimulation, head-eye coordination training, target tracking, limits of stability exercises, optical flow exposure, spatial navigation, and simulated environments. These tasks are designed to induce controlled sensory conflict, enhance vestibular compensation, and improve postural control and functional balance in a safe and interactive environment.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• THE SCİENTİFİC AND TECHNOLOGİCAL RESEARCH COUNCİL OF TURKEY (TUBITAK)

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Ege University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Gulce Kirazli, PhD · Ege University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-03-01

Primary Completion

2025-11-01

Completion

2026-02-01

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations