Autonomic nervous system properties in migraine patients and nonmedication treatment in headache free period

The aim of the study was to characterise parameters of the autonomic nervous system in migraineurs and to find out and to adapt the optimal biofeedback (BFB) training methods. Heart rate (HR), arterial blood pressure and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) at rest, static workload, arterial occlusion and during recovery period were measured. 22 migraineurs (female, average age 22.2 ± 2.4 years) and 14 healthy age and gender matched controls participated. Migraine patients were divided into two groups (M1 and M2) according to HR and BRS at rest. At rest 60% of migraine patients (group M1) had significantly decreased HR vs. control group (P< 0.01). The M2 group showed a tendency to decreased BRS at rest comparing to the control group and significantly (P< 0.01) differed in this parameter from the M1 group. In a 10 s precontraction period M1 group had a significantly lower HR increase comparing to other analysed groups (P< 0.01). HR was significantly decreased in the M1 group during the recovery period comparing to the control and M2 groups (P< 0.05). Both parts of autonomic nervous system, PNS and SNS branches, were impaired in migraineurs. The M2 group had most likely decreased PNS activity and impaired SNS activity. M1 group patients showed increased PNS activity. BFB training sessions reduced migraine attack frequency and need for medication in the M2 group.