Topographic analysis of steady-state visual evoked potentials (SVEPs) in the medium frequency range in migraine with and without aura

Topographic analysis of SVEPs in the medium frequencies range was performed in 30 migraineurs without aura, 20 migraineurs with aura and in 20 control subjects. The mean absolute power values of the fundamental component F1, the subharmonic F1/2 and the first harmonic F2, corrected by logarithmic transformation, were computed in each group and then compared using Student's t-test. The interhemispheric coherence of the F1 component was also evaluated. The 18, 21, and 27 Hz F1 components were increased in both migraineurs with and without aura, particularly in the temporo-parietal regions. The 24 Hz F1 component was augmented only in migraineurs without aura in the parieto-occipital regions in comparison with migraineurs with aura and controls. Migraine with aura patients had a reduced interhemispheric coherence mostly of 12 Hz and 15 Hz F1 components in frontal and temporo-parietal regions. Results of the study confirm abnormalities of SVEPs in migraineurs with and without aura. These consist of widespread increases of F1 components in the medium frequency range over the temporo-parietal regions.