Document Detail


Detection and discrimination of flicker contrast in migraine.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21493642     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Aims: Flickering light is strongly aversive to many individuals with migraine. This study was designed to evaluate other abnormalities in the processing of temporally modulating visual stimulation. Methods: We measured psychophysical thresholds for detection of a flickering target and for the discrimination of suprathreshold flicker contrasts (increment thresholds) in 14 migraineurs and 14 healthy controls with and without prior adaptation to high-contrast flicker. Visual discomfort (aversion) thresholds were also assessed. Results: In the baseline (no adaptation) conditions, detection and discrimination thresholds did not differ significantly between groups. Following adaptation, flicker detection thresholds were elevated equivalently in both groups; however, discrimination thresholds were more strongly affected in migraineurs than in controls, showing greater elevation at moderate contrasts and greater threshold reduction (sensitisation) at high contrast (70%). Migraineurs also had significantly elevated discomfort scores, and these were significantly correlated with number of years with migraine. Discussion: We conclude that visual flicker not only causes discomfort but also exerts measurable effects on contrast processing in the visual pathways in migraine. The findings are discussed in the context of the existing literature on habituation, adaptation and contrast-gain control.
Authors:
Olivera Karanovic; Michel Thabet; Hugh R Wilson; Frances Wilkinson
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache     Volume:  31     ISSN:  1468-2982     ISO Abbreviation:  Cephalalgia     Publication Date:  2011 Apr 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-04-15     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8200710     Medline TA:  Cephalalgia     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  723-36     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
York University, Canada.
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