Evaluation of Neurophysiological Parameters: Autonomic Status and Acute Pain Perception in Migraneurs.

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, EI ratio, 3015 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.