Do interictal microembolic signals play a role in higher cortical dysfunction during migraine aura?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Vascular Neurology

Background:

• Migraine with aura can involve transient neurological deficits.
• Higher cortical dysfunction (HCD) during migraine aura, including language and memory impairment, warrants further investigation.
• Interictal microembolic signals (MES) are potential indicators of cerebrovascular events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of interictal MES in migraineurs with HCD during aura.
• To assess the clinical impact and predictors of HCD during migraine aura.
• To explore the relationship between MES and HCD in migraine patients.

Main Methods:

• A Doppler instrument was used to detect MES in three groups: migraineurs with HCD during aura (n=34), migraineurs with other aura symptoms (n=31), and healthy controls (n=34).
• Demographic data, disease features, and MES detection were analyzed.
• Predictors of HCD during aura were identified through statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• MES detection was significantly higher in the HCD group (29.4%) compared to control groups (3.2% and 5.9%).
• Longer aura duration and higher aura frequency were observed in the HCD group.
• Independent predictors of HCD during aura included longer aura duration, somatosensory symptoms, and the presence of interictal MES.

Conclusions:

• The study indicates a significant association between higher cortical dysfunction and the presence of microembolic signals in patients with migraine with aura.
• Interictal MES may play a role in the pathophysiology of HCD during migraine aura.
• Further research is necessary to elucidate the precise pathophysiological mechanisms linking MES and HCD in migraine.