An Arterial Spin Labeling MRI Perfusion Study of Migraine without Aura Attacks

BACKGROUND: Studies of brain perfusion during migraine without aura attacks have inconsistent results. METHODS: Arterial spin labeling MRI, a non-invasive quantitative perfusion technique, was used to prospectively study a spontaneous untreated migraine without aura attack and a headache-free period. Image analysis used FSL and MATLAB software; Group analysis used permutation methods for perfusion differences between sessions. RESULTS: Thirteen women (age 35.7) were scanned during an attack of an average intensity of 6.8 (on 0–10 Visual Analog Scale) and 16 h duration. No global or regional perfusion differences were identified when comparing migraine and migraine-free sessions. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that the painful phase of migraine without aura attacks is not associated with brain perfusion abnormalities.