Systemic calcitonin gene-related peptide modifies auditory and vestibular end organ electrical potentials, and increases sensory hypersensitivities

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been implicated in migraine, and CGRP-based therapeutics have shown efficacy in the treatment of migraine headaches. CGRP is also present in efferent synapses of the inner ear, so we questioned whether increases in systemic CGRP can act directly on inner ear end organs. In this study, we determined systemic CGRP changes auditory (ABR) and vestibular (VsEP) endorgan potentials and produces migraine behaviors similar to phonophobia and postural control deficits.