Non-randomised trial, 2006
Does the menstrual cycle affect brain activity differently in women with migraine?
Yes, in this study women with migraine showed greater brain electrical changes during the premenstrual phase than healthy women, especially when stressed. This suggests the menstrual cycle and stress together may trigger migraine attacks.
What they did
Researchers recorded brain electrical activity (contingent negative variation or CNV) in 17 women with migraine and 15 healthy women. Measurements were taken during two menstrual cycle phases (ovulation and premenstrual) under both resting and stressful conditions.
What they found
Women with migraine showed a significant increase in CNV amplitude during the premenstrual phase compared with ovulation. During both phases, both groups showed increased CNV amplitude under stress. The increase under stress in the premenstrual phase was more pronounced in women with migraine.
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle and stress both change brain activity in ways that may lead to migraine. The combination seems particularly risky. This is a small study, so results need confirmation.
17
Women with migraine
15
Healthy control women
2
Menstrual cycle phases measured
About the study
- Original title
- Relationship between precipitating agents and neurophysiological abnormalities in migraine
- Authors
- Siniatchkin M, Averkina N, Gerber WD
- Journal
- Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache
- Year
- 2006
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 15
- What was tested
- Measurement of brain electrical activity (CNV) across menstrual cycle phases and stress conditions
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2982.2006.01061.x
Topics
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