Abnormal effective connectivity in migraine with aura under photic stimulation

TL;DR

This study reveals that migraine with aura patients exhibit abnormal brain connectivity patterns under visual stimulation, characterized by increased effective connectivity and decreased EEG synchronization in the beta band, which may relate to aura symptoms.

Contribution

It identifies a distinctive pattern of effective connectivity and EEG synchronization in migraine with aura patients, advancing understanding of aura mechanisms.

Findings

Increased effective connectivity in beta band during visual stimuli

Reduced EEG synchronization in migraine with aura patients

Potential link between connectivity patterns and aura symptoms

Abstract

Migraine patients with aura show a peculiar pattern of visual reactivity compared with those of migraine patients without aura: an increased effective connectivity, connected to a reduced synchronization among EEG channels, for frequencies in the beta band. The effective connectivity is evaluated in terms of the Granger causality. This anomalous response to visual stimuli may play a crucial role in the progression of spreading depression and clinical evidences of aura symptoms.