Cognitive functions in patients with episodic and chronic migraine

Abstract

Cognitive impairment (CN) is widespread in migraines, but very little has been studied. There is evidence that these violations are present in patients with episodic migraine (EM) during an attack and in the interictal period. The purpose of this work was to study the prevalence of objective CN in patients with EM and chronic migraine (CM) during the period of minimal or absent pain. Methods. The study involved 74 patients with CM and 42 patients with rare EM (no more than four days of headache per month) aged 18-59 years. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Evaluation of cognitive functions was performed using the Montreal MoCA cognitive function evaluation scale, the DSST digit test and the Ray test of the RAVLT hearing aural learning. Results. in the CM group, there was a decrease in the results of the DSST, MoCA tests and the RAVLT general memory index compared with patients with EM. in both groups, the value of the latter indicator did not reach the standard. in 38 % of patients with chronic respiratory infections, the result on the MoCA scale did not reach the lower limit of normal. The absence of interrelations between the results of tests for cognitive functions and the levels of anxiety and depression was revealed. Conclusion. in patients with EM and CM, objective CNs are observed. Preventive therapy of EM is needed to reduce the risk of chronicity and progression of CN.