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Visual field losses in subjects with migraine headaches
A M McKendrick1, A J Vingrys, D R Badcock
1Discoveries in Sight, Devers Eye Institute, Legacy Clinical Research and Technology Center, Portland, Oregon, USA.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|February 7, 2001
Summary
Migraine patients show visual field defects selective for temporal modulation, not static changes. These visual dysfunctions, observed after headaches, may indicate precortical vascular issues similar to early glaucoma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Visual Science
Background:
- Migraine headaches are associated with various neurological symptoms.
- Visual field defects can occur in migraine patients, but their characteristics are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize visual field abnormalities in migraine patients using static and temporal modulation perimetry.
- Investigate the nature and duration of visual field defects following migraine episodes.
Main Methods:
- 16 migraine patients (15 with aura) and 15 controls underwent static and temporal modulation perimetry.
- Flicker thresholds and temporal tuning characteristics were assessed using automated perimetry.
Main Results:
- Temporal modulation perimetry detected field losses in 11/16 migraine subjects, often with normal static thresholds.
- Deficits showed temporal tuning, peaking at higher frequencies (> or =9 Hz).
- Visual dysfunction persisted for up to 75 days post-headache, suggesting precortical vascular involvement.
Conclusions:
- Migraine is associated with visual dysfunction selective for temporally modulated stimuli.
- This pattern may share similarities with early glaucoma, suggesting potential common precortical vascular mechanisms.