Higher P-wave dispersion in migraine patients with higher number of attacks.

OBJECTIVE AND AIM

An imbalance of the sympathetic system may explain many of the clinical manifestations of the migraine. We aimed to evaluate P-waves as a reveal of sympathetic system function in migraine patients and healthy controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five episodic type of migraine patients (complained of migraine during 5 years or more, BMI < 30 kg/m²) and 30 controls were included in our study. We measured P-wave durations (minimum, maximum, and dispersion) from 12-lead ECG recording during pain-free periods. ECGs were transferred to a personal computer via a scanner and then used for magnification of x400 by Adobe Photoshop software.

RESULTS

P-wave durations were found to be similar between migraine patients and controls. Although P WD (P-wave dispersion) was similar, the mean value was higher in migraine subjects. P WD was positively correlated with P max (P < 0.01). Attacks number per month and male gender were the factors related to the P WD (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Many previous studies suggested that increased sympathetic activity may cause an increase in P WD. We found that P WD of migraine patients was higher than controls, and P WD was related to attacks number per month and male gender. Further studies are needed to explain the chronic effects of migraine.