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Updated: Jul 24, 2026
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3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
A pilot study to measure cognitive efficiency during migraine.
1Headache Care Center, Springfield, MO 65804, USA.
Headache
|September 6, 2000
Summary
Migraine significantly impairs cognitive efficiency, but treatment with sumatriptan injection rapidly restores function. This pilot study highlights the impact of migraine on cognition and the effectiveness of targeted therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Cognitive efficiency during migraine attacks is poorly understood due to varied testing methods.
- Previous studies show conflicting results regarding cognitive function during migraines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure cognitive efficiency in migraineurs during an attack versus a migraine-free period.
- To evaluate the effect of sumatriptan injection (6 mg) on cognitive efficiency during a migraine.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Headache Care Center-Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics.
- Administered tests to 10 migraineurs: 3 times migraine-free, 1 time during migraine, and 3 times post-sumatriptan injection.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a significant decrease in cognitive efficiency during migraine episodes.
- Observed recovery of cognitive efficiency within 15 minutes after sumatriptan injection.
Conclusions:
- This pilot study is the first to document a significant decline in cognitive functioning during migraine.
- Recovery of cognitive function was observed after administration of a migraine-specific medication, sumatriptan.
