Psychophysiological reactivity of migraine sufferers in conditions of stress and relaxation

Abstract

The assumption of a specific migraine-related psychophysiological response stereotype under conditions of stess, recovery and relaxation was examined in 37 migraineurs (non-headache state) and 44 normal controls. Two stressors were presented, industrial noise and a ‘social discomfort’ situation, each was followed by a recovery period. Relaxation was induced by verbal instructions accompanied by soft music. The following physiological measures were assessed: pulse volume amplitude (frontotemporal and digital), skin temperature (fronto-temporal and digital) and skin resistance responses. Results showed no group differences in responses to the stressors. Physiological recovery from stress was delayed in migraineurs in the electrodermal parameter. During relaxation, migraineurs showed less digital vasolidation than the controls. Overall, physiological and subjective responses differed between the two stressors. The hypothesis of a specific vasomotor stress response stereotype in migraineurs could not be corroborated. The observed differences in relaxation and recovery were hypothesized. But the overall results are not easily explained on the grounds of a coherent model (e.g. elevated sympathetic arousal level).