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Updated: Jul 26, 2026
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3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Cranial and peripheral interictal vascular changes in migraine patients
J N de Hoon1, J M Willigers, J Troost
1Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg (K.U. Leuven), Belgium. jan.dehoon@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|February 27, 2003
Summary
Migraine patients exhibit increased arterial stiffness, indicated by changes in temporal and brachial arteries. These findings suggest migraine may be linked to broader vascular health issues.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Biology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Migraine is associated with heightened risks of ischemic stroke and peripheral vasospastic disorders.
- This association suggests potential underlying interictal (between-attack) vascular alterations in migraineurs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate interictal vascular changes in migraine patients.
- To compare cardiovascular properties of migraine patients with matched controls.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasound and applanation tonometry were employed to assess vascular parameters.
- Measurements included carotid artery properties, cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, temporal artery diameter, and brachial artery distension and compliance.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in carotid artery parameters, cardiac output, or systemic vascular resistance between groups.
- Migraine patients showed a larger right temporal artery diameter (101 µm increase).
- Brachial artery analysis revealed smaller distension (-24 µm) and decreased compliance (-0.025 mm²/kPa) in migraine patients, indicating increased peripheral arterial stiffness.
Conclusions:
- Migraine patients exhibit increased peripheral arterial stiffness during interictal periods.
- These vascular changes suggest that migraine may be a manifestation of a more generalized vascular disorder.
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