Topographical Analysis of the Optic Nerve in Migraine Patients

Abstract

Vascular dysfunction appears related to the development of migraines and has been associated with pressure-independent glaucoma. The purpose of this study is to investigate possible topographical differences in the optic nerve between migraine sufferers and normal age-matched control subjects. The identification of optic disc topographical differences between migraine and non-migraine sufferers may help clinicians determine if the presence of migraine influences the development and progression of glaucoma. Sixty consecutively seen patient-volunteers (30 subjects in migraine group: mean age 37.7 years, range from 19 to 66 years, 28 females and 2 males; 30 subjects in the control group: mean age 37.6 years, range from 19 to 61 years, 29 females and 1 male) were categorized as either migraine patients or control group subjects. All migraine subjects had been medically diagnosed with a migraine syndrome and were being treated with prophylactic medication. Optic nerve head topographical analysis was performed using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. The data was evaluated using generalized estimating equations, a priori and post hoc power analysis. No significant differences were found in any of the optic nerve parameters examined between the two groups. This study indicates that the optic nerve parameters as measured by the Heidelberg retinal tomograph II do not differ between migraine sufferers and age-matched control subjects.