Long-range inhibitory mechanisms in the visual system are impaired in migraine sufferers

Background: After viewing dynamic noise surrounding a homogeneous grey patch (artificial scotoma), observers perceive a prolonged twinkling-noise after-image within the unstimulated area. It has been suggested that noise-stimulated neurons induce a long-range inhibition in neurons within the artific...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cephalalgia 2012-10, Vol.32 (14), p.1071-1075
Main Authors: Wagner, Doreen, Manahilov, Velitchko, Gordon, Gael E, Storch, Peter
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Afterimage - physiology
Contrast Sensitivity
Female
Humans
Male
Membrane Potentials
Migraine with Aura - physiopathology
Migraine without Aura - physiopathology
Neurons - physiology
Photic Stimulation
Scotoma - etiology
Scotoma - physiopathology
Visual Cortex - physiopathology
Visual Perception - physiology
Young Adult
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Summary:Background: After viewing dynamic noise surrounding a homogeneous grey patch (artificial scotoma), observers perceive a prolonged twinkling-noise after-image within the unstimulated area. It has been suggested that noise-stimulated neurons induce a long-range inhibition in neurons within the artificial scotoma, which generates a rebound signal perceived as twinkling noise following noise termination. We used this paradigm to test whether migraineurs have enhanced excitability or weakened inhibition. Methods: Twinkling-noise duration was measured in 13 headache-free volunteers, 13 migraineurs with aura and 13 migraineurs without aura. Results: The durations of the after-image were significantly shorter for both migraine groups compared to controls. Discussion: Enhanced excitation of noise-activated neurons in migraineurs would produce stronger rebound activity and longer after-image durations, while weakened inhibitory mechanisms would diminish the rebound activity and shorten the after-image durations compared to control subjects. The results suggest that cortical inhibitory mechanisms might be impaired in migraineurs with and without aura.
ISSN:0333-1024
1468-2982
DOI:10.1177/0333102412455712