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Exploration of anomalous perceptual experiences in migraine between attacks using the Cardiff Anomalous Perceptions
Alex J Shepherd1, Adam J K Patterson1
1Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London, UK.
Consciousness and Cognition
|May 19, 2020
Summary
Migraine patients report more frequent and distressing sensory anomalies than controls. This study links these unusual perceptions to visual migraine triggers and discomfort, offering new insights into migraine aura.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Perception
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Migraine attacks are often preceded by sensory disturbances, most commonly visual aura.
- Less frequent reports include altered experiences of other senses, body perception, and environmental awareness.
- Existing research primarily focuses on visual perception differences, with limited data on other sensory anomalies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate anomalous sensory experiences in individuals with migraine compared to controls.
- To explore the frequency, distress, and intrusiveness of these perceptions.
- To examine associations between anomalous perceptions, visual migraine triggers, and visual discomfort.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 77 migraine participants (33 with aura) and 74 controls.
- Participants reported on anomalous perceptions, their frequency, distress, and intrusiveness.
- Statistical analyses explored relationships between perception anomalies and migraine characteristics.
Main Results:
- Anomalous perceptions were reported by both groups, but significantly more by migraineurs.
- Migraineurs rated their anomalous perceptions as more distressing, intrusive, and frequent.
- The study identified novel associations between these sensory anomalies and visual migraine triggers/discomfort.
Conclusions:
- Migraineurs experience a broader range of anomalous sensory perceptions than previously emphasized.
- These sensory disturbances are linked to visual triggers and discomfort, suggesting a complex interplay of factors in migraine.
- Findings provide a foundation for understanding the full spectrum of sensory alterations in migraine.
