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Effects of migraine on visual function
A M McKendrick1, D R Badcock, J Heywood
1Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 31, 1998
Summary
Migraine-associated visual loss may stem from M-cell dysfunction, indicated by regionalized losses in contrast sensitivity at moderate temporal frequencies. This finding suggests specific visual pathway impairments in migraineurs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Visual Perception
Background:
- Migraine is often accompanied by visual disturbances.
- The underlying neural mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Potential deficits in M-cell or P-cell functioning are being investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether visual loss in migraine patients is linked to M-cell or P-cell dysfunction.
- To characterize the nature of visual processing deficits in migraine.
Main Methods:
- Utilized psychophysical tests measuring spatio-temporal contrast and luminance increment thresholds.
- Employed a drifting spot stimulus on modulated backgrounds.
- Conducted measurements foveally and in the superior visual field.
- Performed static and flicker perimetry.
Main Results:
- Observed regionalized losses in visual function for stimuli presented at moderate temporal frequencies (16 Hz).
- These deficits were specific to certain visual field locations and stimulus parameters.
Conclusions:
- The observed pattern of visual loss is consistent with M-cell dysfunction.
- Findings suggest a selective impairment in magnocellular pathway functioning in migraineurs.