12 research outputs found
Altered processing of sensory stimuli in patients with migraine
Migraine is a cyclic disorder, in which functional and morphological brain changes fluctuate over time, culminating periodically in an attack. In the migrainous brain, temporal processing of external stimuli and sequential recruitment of neuronal networks are often dysfunctional. These changes reflect complex CNS dysfunction patterns. Assessment of multimodal evoked potentials and nociceptive reflex responses can reveal altered patterns of the brain's electrophysiological activity, thereby aiding our understanding of the pathophysiology of migraine. In this Review, we summarize the most important findings on temporal processing of evoked and reflex responses in migraine. Considering these data, we propose that thalamocortical dysrhythmia may be responsible for the altered synchronicity in migraine. To test this hypothesis in future research, electrophysiological recordings should be combined with neuroimaging studies so that the temporal patterns of sensory processing in patients with migraine can be correlated with the accompanying anatomical and functional changes
Effects of the Menstrual Cycle and Oral Contraception on Singers' Pitch Control
Purpose: Difficulties with intonation and vibrato control
during the menstrual cycle have been reported by singers;
however, this phenomenon has not yet been systematically
investigated.
Method: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial
assessing effects of the menstrual cycle and use of a combined oral
contraceptive pill (OCP) on pitch control in singing is presented.
Audio-electrolaryngograph recordings were made and blood
samples were taken from 9 singers in each of the 3 phases of the
menstrual cycle both under the placebo and the OCP conditions
for a total of 6 months. Participants sang an exercise consisting
of an ascending octave followed by a descending major triad,
starting on pitches F4 and B4. Pitch control was assessed in terms
of the octave’s deviations from pure intonation and of the vibrato
rate and extent.
Results: Significant differences were found between the 3 phases
of the cycle regarding octave size only for pitch F5 during OCP
use. Significant vibrato rate differences between placebo and
OCP conditions were found only for pitch F5.
Conclusion: OCP use may have an effect on pitch control in
singers. Possible explanations point to a complex interaction
between hormonal milieu and pitch control, enhancing the
need for longitudinal studies