A pilot study to measure cognitive efficiency during migraine
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2026
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
1Headache Care Center, Springfield, MO 65804, USA.
Background And Objectives:
The measurement of cognitive efficiency during migraine has produced conflicting results primarily due to the types of tests used. The objectives of this pilot study were two-fold: to measure cognitive efficiency during migraine, compared to a migraine-free period, and to evaluate the effects of therapy with a 5-HT1 agonist (sumatriptan injection, 6 mg) on the cognitive efficiency of migraineurs during a migraine.
Method:
The Headache Care Center-Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics was administered to 10 migraineurs, three times without a migraine, once during a migraine, and three times after administration of sumatriptan injection (6 mg).
Results:
The results demonstrated a significant drop in cognitive efficiency during migraine and recovery 15 minutes after therapeutic injection.
Conclusions:
This pilot study is the first to document a significant drop in cognitive functioning during migraine and recovery after administration of a migraine-specific medication.
