Abstract

The excitability of the visual and motor cortical areas is altered in migraineurs. Controversial results of previous studies on cortical excitability may depend on the hormonal status of female subjects. The present study aimed to determine whether the different phases of the menstrual cycle influence the phosphene thresholds (PT) and resting motor thresholds (RMT) in migraineurs. Thirty-two migraine patients participated in this study. Three to six PT and RMT measurements were done in headache-free intervals during the follicular, middle and luteal phases of the female cycle, or in active dosage and withdrawal phases in patients who were taking low dosage oral contraceptives. Generally, PTs showed higher individual variabilities than RMTs. Additionally, we have observed that the RMTs and PTs were significantly independent from hormonal changes. However, patients who were taking a low dosage of oral contraceptives had lower PTs compared with patients who were not taking oral contraceptives. RMTs show the opposite tendency. The results imply that PTs and RMTs can be reliably measured independently from the menstrual hormone status in female migraineurs.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.