Duration and frequency of migraines affect cognitive function: evidence from neuropsychological tests and event-related potentials

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the cognitive performance of migraine patients using a comprehensive series of cognitive/behavioral and electrophysiological tests. Method A randomized, cross-sectional, within subject approach was used to compare neuropsychological and electrophysiological evaluations from migrane-affected and healthy subjects. Results Thirty-four patients with migraine (6 males, 28 females, average 36 years old) were included. Migraineurs performed worse in the majority of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) ( p = 0.007) compared to the healthy subjects, significantly in language ( p = 0.005), memory ( p = 0.006), executive functions ( p = 0.042), calculation ( p = 0.018) and orientation ( p = 0.012). Migraineurs had a lower score on the memory trial of the Rey–Osterrieth complex figure test (ROCF) ( p = 0.012). The P3 latency in Fz, Cz, Pz was prolonged in migraineurs compared with the normal control group ( P