Brainstem auditory evoked potentials in migraine after Rausedyl provocation

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials were recorded in 34 migraine patients (21 F and 13 M, mean age 37.4 +/- 8.1 years) after Rausedyl (2.5 mg reserpine) provocation. Intramuscular injection of reserpine induces a typical headache in migrainous controls. The findings were compared with those of 40 healthy controls (25 F and 15 M with a mean age of 40 +/- 8.9 years). We evaluated I, III, V and I-III, III-V, I-V peak and interpeak latencies. We did not find significant differences after provocation in the control group. In the migraine group, V waves were delayed significantly and consecutively I-V interpeak latencies were increased. Our results indicate an impairment of the rostral brainstem function after reserpine provocation in migraine patients.