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Published on: June 2, 2014
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Left- vs right-sided migraine: a scoping review.
Adam S Sprouse Blum1, Nina Y Riggins2, Denise P Hersey3
1Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA. adam.sprouse-blum@uvmhealth.org.
Journal of Neurology
|March 7, 2023
Summary
Left- and right-sided migraine present distinct clinical profiles, suggesting potentially different underlying causes. This review highlights key differences in symptoms, cognitive function, and autonomic activity between left-sided and right-sided migraine headaches.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Headache Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Migraine is a common neurological disorder characterized by head pain, often unilateral.
- Emerging evidence suggests distinct characteristics may differentiate left-sided from right-sided migraine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review summarizing current knowledge on left-sided versus right-sided migraine.
- To explore differences in clinical presentation and associated features between unilateral migraine types.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed in multiple databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science) from 1988 to December 2021.
- Studies comparing left- and right-sided migraine or describing differentiating characteristics were included.
- Data on ICHD criteria, definitions, sample size, and key findings were extracted and thematically grouped.
Main Results:
- 26 observational studies were analyzed, examining differences between left- and right-sided migraine.
- Reciprocal findings were noted, with both sides associated with factors like ipsilateral handedness and specific MRI changes.
- Distinct differences emerged: left-sided migraine linked to anxiety and PTSD, while right-sided migraine associated with cognitive deficits and greater anisocoria.
Conclusions:
- Left- and right-sided migraine exhibit significant differences across various domains.
- These disparities suggest that the underlying pathophysiology may not be identical for both migraine laterality types.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the distinct mechanisms of left- and right-sided migraine.
