Topographic Analysis of Electroencephalographic Changes during Photic Driving Responses in Patients with Migraine

Abstract

Objective: Migraineurs demonstrate abnormal information processing such as photic hypersensitivity. The photic driving response to photic stimulation (PS) is a reaction to the visual stimulation of electroencephalography (EEG). Both the photic driving response and photic hypersensitivity appear during light stimulation. We considered that evaluation of a migraineur's photic driving response may help to elucidate the mechanism of the migraineur's sensitive condition. Our study aimed to investigate EEG photic driving responses with a source-localizing method. Methods: We recorded spontaneous resting EEG with eyes closed from 20 electrodes on the scalp during the interictal phase. After recording, each PS was separately selected. We also analyzed EEG by fast Fourier transform and observed the spectrum frequency peaks and topographies in response to PS. Results: The photic driving response could be observed at a flashing rate of >15 Hz. Patients with photic hypersensitivity tended to show more photic driving regardless of the migraine subtype. Moreover, in topographies, their activated areas were shifted anteriorly from fundamental driving to harmonic driving for each photic frequency. This anterior shift was more evident with a longer duration of illness, although no significant differences were seen between migraine subtypes. The global field power value had a positive correlation with the duration of illness. Conclusion: Photic hypersensitivity and photic driving responses were increased in migraineurs. Photic hypersensitivity might result in sensitization of the limbic system.

Evaluation of Electroencephalogram Using Exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography During Photic Driving Response in Patients with Migraine

“…Photic driving by photic stimulation of high frequency (≥15 Hz) is called the H-response, and is observed in the interictal phase in migraine patients [4]. We have observed the photic driving response at a flashing rate of > 15 Hz in migraine patients, and there was a tendency towards more frequent photic driving response in migraine patients with photic hypersensitivity, regardless of the aura status [5]. Additionally, the findings of an anterior shift of the activated area during photic stimulation, which was more marked in patients with longer disease duration, and a positive correlation between GFP values and disease duration [5] suggest central sensitization of the limbic system in migraine patients [14].…”

“…We have observed the photic driving response at a flashing rate of > 15 Hz in migraine patients, and there was a tendency towards more frequent photic driving response in migraine patients with photic hypersensitivity, regardless of the aura status [5]. Additionally, the findings of an anterior shift of the activated area during photic stimulation, which was more marked in patients with longer disease duration, and a positive correlation between GFP values and disease duration [5] suggest central sensitization of the limbic system in migraine patients [14]. In the present study using eLORETA, we observed significant differences in responses to photic stimulations at frequencies 5, 8, 15, and 20 Hz between MWA and MWOA groups.…”

“…The photic driving response in a high-stimulation region of 15 Hz or more (an H-response) is thought to be abnormal, and migraine patients frequently show the H-response during the interictal phase [4]. We evaluated the electroencephalographic changes during photic driving responses in migraine patients using the global field power (GFP) values and found anteriorization in high-frequency peaks of harmonic driving in the long-duration group, along with a positive correlation between the GFP peak values and disease duration [5]. However, the underlying mechanisms of photophobia have yet to be clarified.…”

Subclinical vestibular dysfunction in migraineurs without vertigo: A Clinical study

“…26 In fact, these patients demonstrate abnormal information processing such as photic hypersensitivity. 26 In fact, these patients demonstrate abnormal information processing such as photic hypersensitivity.…”

“…26 Both the photic driving response and photic hypersensitivity appear during light stimulation and were increased in migraineurs. 26 Also, migraine is linked with various comorbid conditions, the most prominent being motion sickness. 26 Also, migraine is linked with various comorbid conditions, the most prominent being motion sickness.…”