Further investigation of cognitive impairment in migraine subjects

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to further investigate the hypothesis that repeated migraine attacks may cause permanent and possible cumulative neurological damage involving higher cortical functions (Zeitlin & Oddy, 1984; Hooker & Raskin, 1986). Previous empirical research has found evidence both in support (Zeitlin & Oddy; 1984, Hooker & Raskin; 1986) and contrary to this hypothesis (Leijdekkers, Passchier, Goudswaard, Menges & Orlebeke; 1990). In the present study, fourteen migraine with aura, fifteen migraine without aura and twelve control subjects from the community participated. They were manuallyadministered a two-hour neuropsychological battery which included tests used in the previous studies. This study found no evidence to support the hypothesis of permanent cognitive impairment in migraine subjects. In addition, no significant correlations between headache history or severity and performance were found for those subjects who had a minimum of two test scores in the impaired range. Therefore, there is no evidence to support the hypothesis that repeated migraine attacks may cause cumulative cognitive deficits.