Contingent negative variation: methods and potential interest in headache |
| |
Authors: | Jean Schoenen M Timsit-Berthier |
| |
Institution: | University Department of Neurology, CHR de la Citadelle and Laboratory of Cognitive Psychophysiology University of Liège, Belgium |
| |
Abstract: | Contingent negative variation (CNV) is an event-related slow cerebral potential which has been found abnormal in migraine. Its methodology is described. Contrary to other neurophysiological techniques, CNV needs special equipment and expertise. On average, CNV amplitude is increased and its habituation is lacking in migraine without aura between attacks, but not in migraine with aura. The sensitivity of CNV as a diagnostic tool is low, but its specificity is high. CNV amplitude normalizes after treatment with beta-blockers. The CNV abnormalities in migraine might be due to hyperreactivity of central catecholaminergic pathways. |
| |
Keywords: | Contingent negative variation event-related potentials migraine |
|
|