Application of Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography(TCD) for the Diagnosis of Migraine : Preliminary Results

Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography를 이용한 편두통의 진단: 예비연구

Dignosis of migraine is only based on the medical history, and objective methods to aid the clinical diagnosisare absent. Although transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) abnormalities in headache-free migraineurs have been reported previously, diagnostic criteria for migraine is still lacking and this may limit the practical application of TCD for migraine. We prospectively studied several abnormal TCD indices in interictal migraineurs and their sensitivity and specificity to define the optimal diagnostic criteria. Young (20 yrs$age=29.0{\pm}6.1yrs$) were compared to 69 controls (M:F=25:44, Mean $age=31.2{\pm}5.5yrs$). Elevated MFV (> 2SD)was observed in 63% of migraineurs while n 12% of control (p<0.01). High AI (>25%) or high HI (>3.0) was present in 17% of migraineurs, while 3% and none in controls (p<0.01). Sensitivity of elevated MFV, high AI, and high HI was 63%, 17%, 17% and specificity was 88%, 97%, 100%, respectively. If all these indices were combined, sensitivity and specificity reached 69% and 86%. These preliminary results suggest pathophysiological implication of vasospasm in interictal migraineurs, and TCD may be practically applicable for migraine. Optimal diagnostic criteria and therapeutic options for patients with abnormal TCD findings remain to bo determined.