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Provocation of Migraine after Maximal Exercise: A Test-Retest Study
Emma Varkey1, Bente Grüner Sveälv, Fredrik Edin
1Department of Health and Rehabilitation/Physiotherapy, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Maximal exercise can trigger migraine attacks, but not always, even in individuals who identify exercise as a trigger. Higher baseline migraine frequency correlated with increased risk following maximal aerobic exercise.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Exercise is frequently recommended for migraine management.
- However, strenuous physical activity is also recognized as a potential migraine trigger.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if maximal exercise tests can provoke migraine attacks.
- To compare outcomes between participants who experienced migraines post-exercise and those who did not.
Main Methods:
- A prospective test-retest design was employed.
- Nineteen patients reporting exercise-induced migraines underwent two maximal cycle ergometer tests to exhaustion.
Main Results:
- Of 14 retested patients, 8 experienced migraines after at least one test.
- A higher baseline migraine frequency was associated with an increased risk of migraine post-exercise (p = 0.036).
Conclusions:
- Maximal aerobic exercise can precipitate migraine attacks.
- The occurrence of exercise-induced migraines is variable, even in susceptible individuals.
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