A pilot exploratory study comparing the King-Devick test (KDT) during and between migraine attacks. (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chiang, Chia-Chun; Starling, Amaal J; Buras, Matthew R; Golafshar, Michael A; VanderPluym, Juliana H
• Is Part Of: Cephalalgia. Volume 40:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 307
• Page End: 312
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: King-Devick test -- rapid eye movement -- migraine attack -- migraine-related disability; Headache -- Periodicals; 616.8491
• DOI: 10.1177/0333102419885381
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0333-1024

Abstract

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.