Volumetric analysis of pons, middle brain and thalamus by MRI in migraine patients; and evaluation of vertebral artery diameter

Abstract

OBJECTIVES. We investigated whether there were atrophic changes in grey matter (pons, midbrain, and thalamus) in migraine patients. Vertebral artery diameters were also evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The cranial MRI images of 49 adult migraine-diagnosed patients and 49 adult subjects with normal cranial MRI results were included in the study. In both groups, pons, midbrain, and thalamus volumes, as well as vertebral artery diameters were measured. RESULTS. There were no significant differences between pons, midbrain, bilateral thalamus volumes and vertebral artery diameters of the migraine and control groups (p>0.05). In the right-sided migraine group, the right thalamus volume was significantly lower than the contralateral side (p<0.05). In the left-sided migraine group, the left thalamus volume was non-significantly lower than the contra-lateral side (p>0.05). In the right-sided and left-sided migraine groups, left vertebral artery diameters were significantly higher than those on the right side (p<0.05). In older migraine patients, pons and midbrain volumes decreased (p<0.05). In longer migraine duration, pons volume decreased (p<0.05). In aura-present migraine patients, right vertebral artery diameters decreased (p<0.05). CONCLUSION. We concluded that migraine is related to grey matter atrophy in terms of thalamus atrophy on the migraine side. Pons atrophy in longer migraine, and pons and midbrain atrophy in older migraine patients were also detected. Therefore, during the follow-up of the migraine patients, grey matter atrophy should be examined by MRI, and treatment to prevent migraine attacks should be planned.