EEG spectral analysis in migraine without aura attacks

In 16 patients suffering from migraine without aura, we examined quantitative EEG and steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) at 27 Hz stimulation during the critical phase of migraine and in attack-free periods. The main spontaneous EEG abnormalities found during the critical phase were the slowing and asymmetry of the dominant frequency in the alpha range. The amplitude of the SSVEP F1 component was significantly reduced during the attack phase compared with the intercritical phase; in the latter condition the visual reactivity to 27 Hz stimulus was increased over almost the entire scalp compared with normal subjects. The EEG abnormalities confirm a fluctuating modification of alpha activity during the migraine attack, probably related to a functional disorder. The suppression of visual reactivity during the migraine attack could be related to a phenomenon of neuronal depolarization such as spreading depression, occurring in a situation of central neuronal increased excitability predisposing to migraine attacks.