Genetics of vestibulopathy and migraine

Our understanding of the genetics of vestibular loss lags far behind advances in the genetics of hearing loss, in large part because a basic awareness of hearing is a universal human experience, in those without congenital deafness, whereas public awareness of vestibular function is virtually nonexistent. This review highlights the challenges brought on by this disparity and recent advances in genetics, which provide hope for improved diagnosis and treatment of vestibular loss.Linkage analysis has resulted in mapping of genetic loci for familial vestibulopathies with normal hearing and migraine. Targeted gene therapy provides hope for those with permanent vestibular loss.Recent discoveries emphasize the need for better ascertainment of vestibular loss in general clinical practice.