RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To test if the cerebral vasoreactivity among migraineurs is influenced by the prandial state. DESIGN AND METHODS: Eight patients with migraine without aura were studied (mean age = 23.75 years; range = 19 to 32 years; 6 women). We also studied 8 healthy controls (mean age = 20.63 years; range = 18 to 22 years; 3 women), with no history of migraine. Cerebral vasoreactivity was measured on the right side by the breath holding index (BHI) using an EZ-Dop transcranial Doppler instrument, with a 2-MHz transducer fitted on a headband. Serum glucose levels were measured after a 10-hour fasting period and then 10 minutes after a standardized breakfast. RESULTS: In both groups, we found a postprandial (PP) glycemia enhancement (P < .02). Migraineurs showed enhanced PP cerebral vasoreactivity when compared to the fasting state (FS) (BHI-PP = 1.46; BHI-FS = 1.16; P= .02). Among controls, we found a trade to enhancement, but without statistic significance (BHI-PP = 1.28; BHI-FS = 1.11; P= .30). Glucose levels were not significantly correlated to cerebral vasoreactivity in any of the groups (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that migraineurs have a higher reactivity to hypercapnia during the PP period.