NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILES ACROSS VARIOUS MIGRAINE TYPES

Abstract

Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder characterized not only by recurrent headache episodes but also by diverse cognitive and emotional disturbances. Recently, growing attention has been directed toward the neuropsychological profile of migraine, as these alterations substantially influence patients’ quality of life, daily functioning, and social adaptation. The type and severity of neuropsychological impairments may differ according to the clinical form of migraine, including uncomplicated (simple) and complicated (complex) variants. Individuals with different migraine forms can exhibit deficits in attention, memory, executive functions, and processing speed, both during attacks and in interictal periods. Complex migraine forms are often linked to more pronounced neuropsychological deficits, such as impaired concentration, reduced working memory, emotional instability, heightened anxiety, and depressive symptoms. In contrast, patients with uncomplicated migraine generally experience milder and transient cognitive disturbances, which are frequently reversible and closely associated with headache frequency and intensity. The pathophysiology of neuropsychological changes in migraine is multifactorial, involving cortical hyperexcitability, altered functional connectivity, dysregulation of neurotransmitter systems, and recurrent pain-related stress. Repeated migraine attacks may result in cumulative cognitive effects, particularly in individuals with longer disease duration and higher attack frequency. This review underscores the neuropsychological characteristics of various migraine forms and highlights the importance of comprehensive neuropsychological assessment in these patients. Early detection of cognitive and emotional impairments facilitates personalized treatment approaches, optimizes therapeutic outcomes, and improves long-term prognosis.