In:
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Vol. 98, No. 8 ( 2001-04-10), p. 4687-4692
Abstract:
Cortical spreading depression (CSD) has been suggested to underlie
migraine visual aura. However, it has been challenging to test this hypothesis in human cerebral cortex. Using high-field functional MRI
with near-continuous recording during visual aura in three subjects, we observed blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal changes that
demonstrated at least eight characteristics of CSD, time-locked to percept/onset of the aura. Initially, a focal increase in BOLD signal
(possibly reflecting vasodilation), developed within extrastriate cortex (area V3A). This BOLD change progressed contiguously and slowly
(3.5 ± 1.1 mm/min) over occipital cortex, congruent with the retinotopy of the visual percept. Following the same retinotopic
progression, the BOLD signal then diminished (possibly reflecting vasoconstriction after the initial vasodilation), as did the BOLD
response to visual activation. During periods with no visual stimulation, but while the subject was experiencing scintillations,
BOLD signal followed the retinotopic progression of the visual percept. These data strongly suggest that an electrophysiological event such as
CSD generates the aura in human visual cortex.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0027-8424
,
1091-6490
DOI:
10.1073/pnas.071582498
Language:
English
Publisher:
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Publication Date:
2001
detail.hit.zdb_id:
209104-5
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1461794-8
SSG:
11
SSG:
12
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