Exploring Mild Electrical Vestibular Stimulation as a New Treatment for Dizziness and Migraine Symptoms

What this study is about

Vestibular migraine is a common cause of repeated dizziness, imbalance, and headaches that affects about three percent of Canadians. Many people do not find relief from current medications, leaving them with long term problems in balance and daily function. This study will test a new, non drug based treatment called electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS). EVS delivers gentle, safe electrical signals behind the ears to activate the brain's vestibular pathways. Fifty adults with vestibular migraine will take part. Half will receive real stimulation, and half will receive a sham (placebo) treatment. Each participant will attend six sessions over two weeks. Around the treatment period, they will record dizziness and migraine symptoms in a daily diary and complete questionnaires and balance tests using motion sensors. The main goal is to determine whether EVS can be delivered safely and comfortably in adults with vestibular migraine and whether participants can complete the sessions and assessments as planned. Results will also show whether symptoms or balance improve, providing essential information to design a larger clinical trial and, ultimately, develop new, accessible treatments for dizziness and migraine.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Clinical diagnosis of VM, according to the ICHD-3 and Barany Society criteria.
• Experienced at least one vestibular migraine episode in the previous month.
• Ability to provide informed consent and comply with study requirements.
• Willingness to attend six EVS sessions over a two-week period and complete all required testing and diaries.
• Physical ability to stand unassisted for at least one minute and walk 25 feet without assistance.

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Diagnosis of other vestibular disorders (e.g. benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis) that may confound results.
• History of seizure disorder, epilepsy, or unexplained loss of consciousness.
• Presence of implanted electronic medical devices, such as pacemakers or cochlear implants.
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during study period.
• Use of vestibular suppressant or migraine prophylactic medications that cannot be paused or maintained at a stable dose during the two-week EVS intervention period. Acute use of rescue medications during a severe attack is permitted, however, participants who initiate new medication or undergo dose changes during the intervention window will be excluded from final analysis.
• Current medical, psychiatric, or neurological condition (other than VM) that could interfere with participation.
• Cognitive or language impairments that preclude understanding of instructions or valid completion of outcome measures.

Where this trial is running

• Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Who to contact

Ryan Peters, Ph.D. · 403-220-7810 · ryan.peters1@ucalgary.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT07368140.