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.Summary Points:
- The K-D test score was slower during the migraine attack compared to the baseline (when no migraine was present). The slowing of K-D test score during migraine attack was more prominent in those with migraine with aura compared to subjects without aura.
- The K-D test may be a rapid and simple tool to objectively characterize migraine-associated disability.