Characteristic electroencephalographic findings by photic driving in patients with migraine-associated vertigo

Abstract

Conclusions: Patients with migraine-associated vertigo (MAV) may have a higher incidence of photic-driven electroencephalography (EEG) response. The occurrence of photic-driven responses for stimulation at frequencies of 10, 12, and 15 Hz can be considered a positive indicator for MAV. Although photic driving is not specific to migraine, patients with MAV have a higher incidence of photic driving. The distinction between Ménière's disease and MAV by means of EEG would be another interesting topic of research. Objective: The objective of this study was to distinguish between patients with MAV and patients with other vestibulopathies (VPs) using EEG. Methods: EEG with intermittent photic stimulation (PS) at frequencies between 3 and 24 Hz was recorded to quantify photic driving in patients with MAV (n = 21) and VPs (n = 15). The presence or absence of photic driving was determined; a score of 1 was counted for response to a particular frequency. Results: Total scores were calculated for each patient for statistical comparison. There was a significant difference in the average total score between MAV and VP patients (p < 0.05), and photic-driven responses were observed for 10, 12, and 15 Hz stimulation.

Keywords::

• Electroencephalogram
• diagnosis
• vestibulopathy

Acknowledgment

This research was supported in part by the Yuumi Memorial Foundation for Home Health Care 2010.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.