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The sensorium of the migraineur
W K Amery1, J Waelkens, V Vandenbergh
1Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Beerse, Belgium.
Italian Journal of Neurological Sciences
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Migraine sufferers frequently experience sensory disturbances even between attacks. These interictal symptoms, including balance issues and heightened sensitivities, are more common than previously thought.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sensory Perception
Background:
- Perceptual disturbances in migraineurs are often studied during attacks, but less attention has been given to the headache-free interval.
- Understanding interictal symptoms is crucial for a comprehensive view of migraine pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and types of sensory alterations experienced by migraineurs during their headache-free intervals.
- To determine if these interictal sensory disturbances are common in the migraine population.
Main Methods:
- A mail survey was conducted among 134 migraine patients who reported perceptual changes before or during attacks.
- Patients completed a 5-part questionnaire detailing their migraine history, attack characteristics, and symptoms during the headache-free interval.
Main Results:
- 36.6% of patients did not report sensory alterations during the headache-free interval.
- Common interictal symptoms included equilibrium/spatial orientation alterations (47.8%), heightened sensitivity to temperature (40.3%), intolerance to touch/clothing (34.3%), altered visual function (32.8%), and changes in smell (31.1%).
Conclusions:
- Interictal sensory disturbances are potentially common in migraineurs.
- Further research is needed to establish the exact frequency and correlations of these symptoms with disease characteristics.