Volumetric evaluation of hemicerebellar changes in migraine patients without aura

Abstract

Brain balance changes have been recognised in migraine, but cerebellar function between or during attacks has been assessed only in a few studies. Previous studies have indicated that migraine affects cerebellar function. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the hemicerebellar volume changes of patients with migraine without aura (MWoA). Volumetric changes of cerebellar hemispheres were evaluated in terms of asymmetry using stereological methods on magnetic resonance images (MRI) retrospectively. Nineteen patients with MWoA and 18 age- and gender-matched control subjects were included in the study. MRIs were analysed by using the point-counting approach of stereological methods by Cavalier’s principle. There was no statistically significant cerebellar atrophy or hemicerebellar asymmetry between the MWoA and control subjects. There was no cerebellar atrophy or asymmetry between the MWoA and age-matched control group. The stereological evaluation of cerebellar asymmetry and atrophy in humans is important for both clinicians and anatomists. The technique is simple, inexpensive, and reliable. (Folia Morphol 2011; 70, 4: 235–239)