Landmark Paper: Loud Tinnitus Caused by Atypical Migraine Activation | UCI Department of Otolaryngology

Landmark Paper:
Loud Tinnitus Caused by Atypical Migraine Activation

Dr. Abouzari

Dr. Djalilian

Recent studies at UC Irvine, led by Dr. Mehdi Abouzari and Dr. Hamid Djalilian, have found that the activation of atypical migraine in the brain leads to the increased attention to tinnitus and thus an elevated volume of the tinnitus. Treating the atypical migraine process can lead to a reduced perception of tinnitus.

We recently introduced the umbrella term "otologic migraine" to the literature to cover migraine-induced ear symptoms, including the auricular (ear pressure/pain), cochlear (hearing loss/tinnitus/hyperacusis), and vestibular symptoms. A recent randomized double-blinded study at UC Irvine using an internet based cognitive behavioral therapy directed to migraine/tinnitus (xtinnitus.com) and sound therapy led to a 40% decrease in the tinnitus functional index in the treatment group.

We have found significant improvement in the perception of tinnitus in patients with loud, bothersome tinnitus or those with fluctuating tinnitus with the control of the underlying migraine etiology. We recently completed a randomized clinical trial of migraine medications for tinnitus which showed promising results.