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Published on: June 2, 2014
Higher P-wave dispersion in migraine patients with higher number of attacks
A Koçer1, M Eryılmaz, H Tutkan
1Neurology Department, Medical Faculty, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey. abdulkadirkocer@yahoo.com
Objective And Aim:
An imbalance of the sympathetic system may explain many of the clinical manifestations of the migraine. We aimed to evaluate P-waves as a reveal of sympathetic system function in migraine patients and healthy controls.
Materials And Methods:
Thirty-five episodic type of migraine patients (complained of migraine during 5 years or more, BMI < 30 kg/m²) and 30 controls were included in our study. We measured P-wave durations (minimum, maximum, and dispersion) from 12-lead ECG recording during pain-free periods. ECGs were transferred to a personal computer via a scanner and then used for magnification of x400 by Adobe Photoshop software.
Results:
P-wave durations were found to be similar between migraine patients and controls. Although P WD (P-wave dispersion) was similar, the mean value was higher in migraine subjects. P WD was positively correlated with P max (P < 0.01). Attacks number per month and male gender were the factors related to the P WD (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
Many previous studies suggested that increased sympathetic activity may cause an increase in P WD. We found that P WD of migraine patients was higher than controls, and P WD was related to attacks number per month and male gender. Further studies are needed to explain the chronic effects of migraine.
Insights
Migraine patients showed higher P-wave dispersion (PWD), a marker of sympathetic function, compared to controls. PWD correlated with attack frequency and male gender, suggesting a link between migraine and sympathetic nervous system activity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Autonomic Nervous System Research
Background:
- Sympathetic nervous system imbalances are implicated in migraine pathophysiology.
- P-wave dispersion (PWD) on ECG may reflect sympathetic function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate P-wave durations and PWD as indicators of sympathetic function in migraine patients versus healthy controls.
- To explore correlations between PWD and clinical migraine characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded from 35 episodic migraine patients and 30 controls during pain-free intervals.
- P-wave durations (minimum, maximum, dispersion) were measured from 12-lead ECGs using digital analysis.
Main Results:
- P-wave durations were similar between groups, but mean P-wave dispersion (PWD) was higher in migraine patients.
- PWD positively correlated with Pmax and was associated with a higher number of monthly attacks and male gender.
Conclusions:
- Migraine patients exhibit elevated PWD, suggesting altered sympathetic activity.
- PWD is linked to migraine frequency and gender, warranting further investigation into chronic migraine mechanisms.
