Fluctuations in local and widespread mechanical sensitivity throughout the migraine cycle: a prospective longitudinal study

Abstract

Background: People with migraine have localised (i.e., cephalic) mechanical sensitivity. There is uncertainty regarding widespread (i.e., extra-cephalic) mechanical sensitivity and variations in mechanical sensitivity throughout the migraine cycle. Therefore, this study aimed (1) to comprehensively assess mechanical sensitivity in both cephalic and extra-cephalic regions during the preictal, ictal, postictal and interictal phases; and (2) to compare these findings with mechanical sensitivity at corresponding time-points and locations in healthy participants. Methods: According to sample size calculations, 19 people with migraine and 19 matched healthy volunteers participated in a prospective longitudinal study. Pressure pain thresholds were evaluated in three cephalic regions (temporalis, upper trapezius and C1 paraspinal muscles) and two extra-cephalic regions (extensor carpi radialis and tibialis anterior muscle) with a digital algometer during the four phases of the migraine cycle in people with migraine and at corresponding intervals and locations in healthy participants. Linear mixed model analyses with a random intercept were used. Results: People with migraine had increased mechanical sensitivity in cephalic and extra-cephalic regions in all phases of the migraine cycle compared to healthy participants. Furthermore, this mechanical sensitivity was more severe in the preictal, ictal and postictal phase compared to the interictal phase in cephalic and extra-cephalic regions. Conclusion: People with migraine have localised as well as widespread mechanical sensitivity compared to healthy participants. This sensitivity is even more pronounced immediately before, during and after a migraine attack.

Has the Phase of the Menstrual Cycle Been Considered in Studies Investigating Pressure Pain Sensitivity in Migraine and Tension-Type Headache: A Scoping Review

“…After reading full-text of the remaining 27 studies, another nine were excluded because: results were not divided into TTH or migraine [ 31 , 32 , 34 ], text did not include the required data [ 68 ], it was an experimental-induced pain model [ 36 ], results were not separated by gender [ 69 , 70 ], PPT was not assessed with algometer or dynamometer [ 43 ], or due to the absence of IHS criteria [ 71 ]. Finally, 18 studies satisfied all inclusion criteria and were included in the review of migraine ( Figure 2 ) [ 7 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 52 , 55 , 60 , 63 , 66 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 ].…”

High concurrent validity between digital and analogue algometers to measure pressure pain thresholds in healthy participants and people with migraine: a cross-sectional study

“…Besides this difference in method of measurement, the fixed order in which we first measured all locations with the digital algometer may have contributed to systematic error. Although randomization of the order of measurement would be preferable, we did not randomize the order of the measurements as this study was part of a larger project evaluating PPTs in people with migraine by using a digital algometer [ 33 ]. Randomization of the algometers (analogue versus digital) would have strengthened the design of this study.…”

Effectiveness of Jogging, Eye Movement Exercises, and Diaphragmatic Breathing in Reducing Migraine Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…As a diagnostic criterion, patients with migraine have a fear of movement or kinesiophobia (83)(84)(85). To develop readiness for and potentiate neural responsiveness to a full-body exercise and to improve body awareness (65,66), the present study provided the patients with eye movement exercises or diaphragmatic breathing (86)(87)(88).…”