The Comparison of Pulsatility Index, Resistance Index, and Diameter of the Temporal, Carotid, and Vertebral Arteries During Active Migraine Headaches to Non-Headache Intervals

Abstract

Objective: Migraine is a debilitating disease affecting a large number of young people. In this study, he aim was to assess the extracranial arteries during migraine headaches and non-headache headache intervals using sonography. Materials and Methods: The study enrolled 210 patients with confirmed migraine headaches. The vertebral arteries, superficial temporal arteries, internal carotid arteries (ICAs), and common carotid arteries were assessed using a sonographic method. Grayscale and spectral doppler criteria, such as the diameter of arteries, peak systolic velocity (PSV), and pulsatility index (PI), during migraine headaches and non-headache headache intervals were measured. Results: Assessing the vertebral and external carotid arteries, a significant difference was observed between the diameter of the arteries during active headaches and that during non-headache headache periods. The mean PSV of ICA during active headaches was 60.05 cm/s, which was lower than that during non-headache headache periods, which was 69.35 cm/s ( P = .016). Conclusion: In this cohort’s migraine headaches, the diameter of the superficial temporal artery and ICA are increased and the diameter of the vertebral artery is decreased. Decreased PSV of the vertebral artery in contrast with increased PSV of the temporal artery is seen during headaches. These diagnostic findings may be useful in predicting migraine headaches and should be replicated with other patients.