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Published on: June 2, 2014
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Somatosensory temporal discrimination is prolonged during migraine attacks
H Evren Boran1,2, Bülent Cengiz1,2, Hayrunnisa Bolay1,3
1Department of Neurology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Besevler, 06510, Ankara, Turkey.
Headache
|December 19, 2015
Summary
Migraine attacks prolong somatosensory temporal discrimination thresholds (STDT), indicating altered sensory processing during headaches. This finding may help understand migraine mechanisms and has potential diagnostic value.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Sensory disturbances are hallmark symptoms of migraine headaches.
- Somatosensory temporal discrimination (STDT) measures the ability to distinguish two distinct somatosensory stimuli.
- Evaluating STDT in migraine patients can elucidate underlying sensory processing alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate somatosensory perception in migraine patients.
- To measure somatosensory temporal discrimination thresholds (STDT) during migraine attacks and interictal periods.
Main Methods:
- 12 migraine patients and 12 healthy controls participated.
- STDT was measured in the face (V3) and hands (C7) during headache attacks and headache-free periods.
- Migraine attack characteristics (pain intensity, phonophobia, etc.) were recorded.
Main Results:
- STDT values were normal in controls and during migraine-free periods.
- During migraine attacks, STDT was significantly prolonged in both hands and face, contralateral and ipsilateral to the headache.
- Elevated STDT during attacks correlated with pain intensity but not with other migraine symptoms or disease duration.
Conclusions:
- Somatosensory temporal discrimination thresholds are elevated during migraine attacks.
- This suggests a transient disruption in central processing of somatosensory stimuli during migraines.
- These findings offer insights into migraine mechanisms and potential diagnostic markers.
