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

Acta Otolaryngol. 2013 Mar;133(3):253-6. doi: 10.3109/00016489.2012.728718. Epub 2012 Oct 29.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Evoked Potentials / physiology
  • Humans
  • Meniere Disease / diagnosis
  • Meniere Disease / physiopathology*
  • Migraine Disorders / diagnosis
  • Migraine Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Occipital Lobe / physiopathology
  • Photic Stimulation*
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Vestibular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Vestibular Diseases / physiopathology