Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Blink reflex in migraine and tension-type headache
T G Avramidis1, D G Podikoglou, I E Anastasopoulos
1Department of Neurology, Red Cross Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Headache
|December 23, 2004
Summary
Migraine patients exhibit suppressed blink reflex during headache phases, which normalizes after sumatriptan treatment. This suggests blink reflex testing may objectively monitor migraine drug effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- The blink reflex is a well-established neurophysiological test.
- Migraine is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent headaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate blink reflex abnormalities in migraine patients.
- To compare blink reflex parameters between migraineurs, tension-type headache patients, and healthy controls.
- To assess the effect of sumatriptan on blink reflex in migraine.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiological recording of the blink reflex (R1, R2, R2' components).
- Stimulation applied to trigeminal nerve afferents.
- Comparison of blink reflex parameters across patient groups and controls.
Main Results:
- Significantly reduced R2 and R2' amplitude and size in migraine patients during headache phase compared to controls (P<0.001).
- Blink reflex abnormalities were specific to the headache phase and absent between attacks.
- Normal blink reflex in tension-type headache patients and normal R1 parameters in all groups.
- Sumatriptan administration normalized R2 and R2' values in migraineurs.
Conclusions:
- The brain stem interneuron component of the blink reflex arc is suppressed during migraine headaches.
- Blink reflex abnormalities in migraine are transient and phase-dependent.
- Blink reflex testing shows potential as an objective biomarker for monitoring migraine and evaluating drug efficacy.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:14Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, with the first six being essential in sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions related to the head and neck.
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
01:08Reflex Activity
A reflex activity is an automatic, involuntary response to specific stimuli. It is a part of our survival mechanism, designed to protect us from potential harm. For example, when a bright light suddenly shines into our eyes, we instinctively close them or look away. This is a simple reflex activity orchestrated by the nervous system without conscious thought or effort.
A reflex exam is a diagnostic procedure performed by a healthcare professional to evaluate the functionality of a patient's...
A reflex exam is a diagnostic procedure performed by a healthcare professional to evaluate the functionality of a patient's...
01:22Somatic Spinal Reflexes
Somatic spinal reflexes are rapid, involuntary muscular responses to external stimuli that involve the somatic musculature and the spinal cord.
One of the most well-known somatic spinal reflexes is the stretch reflex, which is activated by the sudden stretching of a muscle. This reflex involves the activation of specialized sensory receptors called muscle spindles, which are located in the muscle tissue and detect changes in the length and speed of muscle contractions. When a muscle is suddenly...
One of the most well-known somatic spinal reflexes is the stretch reflex, which is activated by the sudden stretching of a muscle. This reflex involves the activation of specialized sensory receptors called muscle spindles, which are located in the muscle tissue and detect changes in the length and speed of muscle contractions. When a muscle is suddenly...