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Do interictal microembolic signals play a role in higher cortical dysfunction during migraine aura?
I Petrusic1, A Podgorac2, J Zidverc-Trajkovic3
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Serbia.
Introduction:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical impact of interictal microembolic signals (MES) in patients suffering from migraine with higher cortical dysfunction (HCD), such as language and memory impairment, during an aura.
Patients And Methods:
This study was carried out on 34 migraineurs with language and memory impairment during aura (HCD group), 31 migraineurs with only visual or visual and somatosensory symptoms during aura (Control group I), and 34 healthy controls (Control group II). We used a Doppler instrument to detect microemboli. Demographic data, disease features and the detection of MES between these groups, as well as the predictors of HCD during the aura, were analyzed.
Results:
The duration of aura was longer and the frequency of aura was higher among patients with language and memory impairment during aura compared to Control group I. MES was detected in 29.4% patients from the HCD group, which was significantly higher compared to 3.2% in Control group I and 5.9% in Control group II. Regarding the absence or presence of MES, demographic and aura features were not different in the HCD subgroups. A longer duration of aura, the presence of somatosensory symptoms during the aura and the presence of interictal MES were independent predictors of HCD during the aura.
Conclusion:
The present findings indicate that HCD and MES are related in patients with migraine with aura. Further research is needed to better understand the exact pathophysiological mechanism.
Insights
Microembolic signals (MES) were more common in migraine patients experiencing higher cortical dysfunction (HCD) during aura. Interictal MES and aura characteristics predict HCD, suggesting a link between microemboli and cognitive symptoms in migraine.
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.
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