Migraine phenotype differentially modulates the attentional network: A cross sectional observation study

Background: Signs of distinct brain dysfunction in patients where migraine intersects with vertigo (i.e. vestibular (VM)), remain elusive. As and can both independently modulate attentional processes, here we seek the utility network to functionally differentiate patients. Methods: We used Attentional Network Task (ANT) elucidate three separate functional networks: Alerting, orienting resolving conflict. 120 participants had attend direction a target visual stimulus, while other parameters were simultaneously manipulated. Reaction times across networks assessed in, (i) 30 healthy controls, (ii) VM patients, (iii) without vertigo, (iv) benign paroxysmal positional (BPPV) but no migraine. Results: Patients (mean = 737.1 ms, SEM 28), 735.3 36.4), BPPV 720.3 ms 24.3) all exhibited significantly delayed ANT reaction compared controls 661.3 23.4). Specific deficits observed for conflict VM, alerting BPPV. Conclusion: displayed executive function characterized by an inability focus resources suppress peripheral distractors, whereas migraineurs changes that reflects hypervigilance.