Heart Rate Variability Analysis in Episodic Migraine: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Autonomic Neuroscience

Background:

• Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is frequently observed in migraineurs.
• Heart rate variability (HRV) is a key indicator of cardiac autonomic function.
• Previous studies on HRV in migraine have yielded inconsistent results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate HRV patterns in episodic migraine (EM).
• To compare HRV between the ictal and interictal periods in EM patients.
• To assess differences in HRV between EM patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 18 EM patients and 18 matched controls.
• Assessment of demographics, lifestyle, and psychological factors.
• Comprehensive HRV analysis including time-domain and frequency-domain parameters during both ictal and interictal phases.

Main Results:

• EM patients exhibited a general trend of decreased HRV compared to controls.
• Significant reductions in SDNN and triangular index (time-domain) were observed during the ictal period versus controls.
• Low-frequency power (frequency-domain) was also significantly lower during the ictal period.
• SDNN was markedly reduced during the ictal phase compared to the interictal phase in EM patients.
• No significant HRV differences were found between the interictal period and controls.
• A negative correlation was noted between pain intensity (visual analog scale) and HRV parameters during the ictal period.

Conclusions:

• Episodic migraine is associated with significantly decreased HRV, particularly during the ictal period.
• These findings suggest a pronounced autonomic system imbalance during migraine attacks.
• Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these results and elucidate the long-term implications.