Blood flow velocities in the vertebrobasilar system during migraine attacks--a transcranial Doppler study

Cephalalgia. 1992 Feb;12(1):29-32. doi: 10.1046/j.1468-2982.1992.1201029.x.

Abstract

In this study, blood flow velocity in the basilar artery and both vertebral and middle cerebral arteries was measured with a transcranial Doppler device in 23 migraineurs during and outside a migraine attack. The aim of the study was to compare blood flow velocities during and outside an attack and to examine vascular reactivity to voluntary hyperventilation during both conditions. No differences in blood flow velocity were found. Although blood pressure was increased and end-expiratory CO2 decreased during the attack, this exerted no influence on blood flow velocity. Neither was a difference in vascular reactivity to voluntary hyperventilation detected between the two conditions. These findings support the notion of functional integrity of the examined large arteries during migraine attacks without aura.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Basilar Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Basilar Artery / physiopathology*
  • Blood Pressure
  • Cerebral Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebral Arteries / physiopathology
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine Disorders / diagnostic imaging
  • Migraine Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Ultrasonography
  • Vertebral Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Vertebral Artery / physiopathology*