Evaluation of Neurophysiological Parameters: Autonomic Status and Acute Pain Perception in Migraneurs.
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Date
2010-04
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Abstract
Introduction: Painful conditions are associated with autonomic dysfunction and altered
pain perception. However, data regarding autonomic status in migraineurs is not conclusive
and there are few studies regarding acute pain perception in these cases. Aims: This
study was conducted to assess various neurophysiological parameters namely autonomic
functions using the autonomic function tests and acute pain perception using the cold
pressor test in migraneurs. Material and methods: 60 migraineurs and 30 age and gender
matched control subjects were included in this study after screening for the exclusion
criteria and following a written consent. Diagnosis of migraine was made according to
the International Classification of Headache Disorders(ICHD) – 2 Criteria. In the pain
free state of the subjects, autonomic function tests including basal heart rate variability,
E:I ratio, 30:15 ratio, postural challenge test and sustained handgrip test were carried
out together with the cold pressor test. Unpaired t-test was used for analysing the data.
Result: Migraineurs showed a trend towards increased parasympathetic tone, as compared
to the control subjects, though the p-values were not significant. The pain threshold was
lower while the pain tolerance was significantly lower in migraineurs as compared to
controls (p= 0.00).Conclusion: In our study we observed an increased vagal tone together
with lower values of pain threshold and pain tolerance in migraineurs, indicating that
certain neurophysiological parameters are affected in painful conditions like migraine.
Description
Keywords
Migraine, autonomic function test, cold pressor test
Citation
Vijayalakshmi I, Shankar Nilima, Bhatia M S, Saxena Ashok, Gupta Ravi. Evaluation of Neurophysiological Parameters:Autonomic Status and Acute Pain Perception in Migraneurs. Delhi Psychiatry journal. 2010 Apr; 13 (1): 79-85.