Central cognitive processing assessed by P300 in migraine, tension‑type headache, and cluster headache
Abstract
Background and Aim: Patients with primary headaches are increasingly recognized to have impairments in various neuropsychological functions. However, there is a paucity of data on the cognitive functions of patients with primary headaches, especially during a headache‑free period in Indian population. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate a cohort of primary headache patients and healthy controls using an auditory P300. Methods: There were 75 patients including 51 migraine, 16 tension‑type headache, and 8 cluster headache patients. They were subjected to a thorough neurological evaluation, following which they were evaluated with an auditory P300 using the oddball paradigm. Results: Significantly, prolonged latencies (P < 0.001) were seen at Fz, Cz, and Pz in all cases as compared to controls. Further, comparison of all three groups with control and comparison of individual group with controls yielded similar results. Conclusion: Abnormal P300 observed in these patients even during the interictal period suggests the presence cognitive abnormalities in patients with a primary headache.