Dr Louise O’Hare from the School of Psychology will lead the next LIH Research Development Seminar entitled, Temporal Integration in Migraine

Wednesday 24th May 2017

11:45am-2pm*

MHT Building,  Room MHT MC3108

Migraine is a common and debilitating neurological disorder. Vision is a significant component of migraine: 80% are light sensitive (Lipton et al., 2001) Headache, 41, 646-657), while for some visual stimuli can even trigger migraine attacks (Kelman, 2007, Cephalalgia, 27, 394-402). Those with migraine are consistently poorer than controls at visual tasks involving motion processing (e.g. Tibber et al., 2014, Invest. Ophthal. Vis. Sci., 55(4), 2539-46). Successful motion processing involves successful integration of signals over time. Neural oscillations (rhythmic brain activity) control the timing of information processing in the brain (Jensen et al., 2014, Trends in Neurosciences, 37(7), 357-369). In the visual areas of the brain, these are the alpha band oscillations (8-12Hz). We have pilot data showing differences between migraine and control groups in alpha band oscillations, and also poorer performance behavioural tasks involving temporal integration. Neurostimulation techniques such as transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can drive neural oscillations, and this affects sensory performance (de Tommaso et al., 2014, Nat Rev Neurol, 10(3), 144-55), specifically, the integration of sensory signals over time (Cecere et al., 2015, Current Biology, 25(2), 231-235). Thus it may also be possible to influence neural oscillations using neurostimulation in those with migraine with therapeutic potential.

The LIH extends a warm welcome to all interested in this exciting area.

*11:45-1pm presentation with Q&A

1-2pm optional discussion and action planning


Basic info poster1There is no need to book