Morphometric analysis of the white matter structures in female migraine patients

Abstract

Migraine is a multifactorial neurovascular syndrome characterized by typical headache attacks that occur with internal and external triggering factors in individuals with genetic susceptibility. It affects more than 12% of the general population. The aim of the present study is to compare the morphometric measurements of the determined white matter structures with the control group to investigate whether there is a structural difference in white matter structures in female patients with migraine.The width of the internal capsule parts (anterior limb, posterior limb and genu) and genu angle was evaluated through MRI. Corpus callosum related measurements were determined in the sagittal section. It was manually traced following its edge on the midsagittal slice of T1 images, where its structure appeared most remarkable. The right and left internal capsule related measurements were compared with migraine and control groups. Except the genu angle, there were statistically significant difference between all measurements and widths in the migraine group were greater than controls. No significant difference was found between the corpus callosum related measurements in the comparison of both groups.Internal capsule consists of several essential white matter fiber bundles of the brain, and is strongly connected between a range of cortical and subcortical anatomical structures. It has a crucial importance for brain functions and it can be affected by a variety of pathologies. The corpus callosum is the main fiber tract connecting twohemispheres with extensive connections and is topographically organized. It has been investigated in several neurodegenerative diseases as a marker for cortical pathology.Knowing the white matter structure in migraine patients, determining its prevalence, and its correlation with the severity, type and duration of migraine can give an idea to clinicians