Abstract
Background: The King-Devick test is a timed rapid number naming task that involves complex cerebral functions. The objective of this pilot exploratory study is to determine whether there is a difference in the King-Devick test during a migraine attack compared to the interictal phase. Methods: We evaluated 29 adult subjects with migraine with aura or migraine without aura. For each participant, we performed King-Devick tests during migraine attacks and interictal phases. Subjects served as their own controls. Results: The King-Devick test was slower during the migraine attack compared to the interictal baseline (median 4.6 sec slower, p < 0.001). The slowing of the King-Devick test during migraine attack was more prominent in those with migraine with aura compared to subjects with migraine without aura (median 7.5 vs. 2.8 sec, p = 0.028). Conclusions: This exploratory, observational study shows changes in the King-Devick test during migraine compared to the interictal phase. Future studies are required to determine if the King-Devick test may be used as a rapid and simple tool to objectively characterize migraine-associated disability.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 307-312 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Cephalalgia |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Mar 1 2020 |
Keywords
- King-Devick test
- migraine attack
- migraine-related disability
- rapid eye movement
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology