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Interictal Cognitive Deficits in Migraine Sufferers: A Meta-Analysis
Dion L Braganza1, Lauren E Fitzpatrick1, Mai L Nguyen1
1School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia.
Neuropsychology Review
|August 16, 2021
Summary
Migraine patients show moderate cognitive deficits in attention, memory, spatial cognition, and executive functioning between attacks. These findings highlight potential interictal impairments in individuals with migraine.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Migraine affects a significant population, yet objective cognitive deficits between acute attacks remain unclear.
- Existing research lacks consensus on whether migraineurs experience persistent cognitive impairments.
Approach:
- A quantitative meta-analysis synthesized data from 17 studies comparing cognitive function in migraineurs and healthy controls.
- Searches included PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and PsycINFO (1980-2020), with prospective registration on PROSPERO.
Key Points:
- Migraineurs exhibited moderate, negative effects on complex attention, immediate/delayed memory, spatial cognition, and executive functioning during interictal periods.
- These cognitive effects were independent of migraine history, attack frequency, or participant age.
- Potential confounds include lack of performance validity testing and limited data on mood and medication use.
Conclusions:
- Migraine is associated with interictal cognitive deficits across multiple domains.
- Further comprehensive neuropsychological research is recommended, controlling for potential confounds and using clinical control groups.
