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Updated: May 19, 2026

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Long-range inhibitory mechanisms in the visual system are impaired in migraine sufferers
Doreen Wagner1, Velitchko Manahilov, Gael E Gordon
1Department of Vision Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
Background:
After viewing dynamic noise surrounding a homogeneous grey patch (artificial scotoma), observers perceive a prolonged twinkling-noise after-image within the unstimulated area. It has been suggested that noise-stimulated neurons induce a long-range inhibition in neurons within the artificial scotoma, which generates a rebound signal perceived as twinkling noise following noise termination. We used this paradigm to test whether migraineurs have enhanced excitability or weakened inhibition.
Methods:
Twinkling-noise duration was measured in 13 headache-free volunteers, 13 migraineurs with aura and 13 migraineurs without aura.
Results:
The durations of the after-image were significantly shorter for both migraine groups compared to controls.
Discussion:
Enhanced excitation of noise-activated neurons in migraineurs would produce stronger rebound activity and longer after-image durations, while weakened inhibitory mechanisms would diminish the rebound activity and shorten the after-image durations compared to control subjects. The results suggest that cortical inhibitory mechanisms might be impaired in migraineurs with and without aura.
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