There is lack of data about autonomic nervous system (ANS) function in migraine patients with increased stress reactivity. Migraine patients (female, mean age 29.3 ± 4.8 years, n=22) in headache free period and age and gender matched healthy controls (n=10) were tested at physical rest, during 10 s. precontraction period (mental stress), isometric contraction and recovery period. Heart rate (HR) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) were analyzed.

At rest 40 % of migraine patients (group M1) had increased HR comparing to controls (78.8 ± 8.4 vs. 77.1 ± 4.9 beats/min; NS). The rest of migraine patients (group M2) had significantly decreased HR comparing to control group (61.9 ± 5.6 beats/min; P=0.002). M1 group had statistically significant tendency to decreased BRS at rest comparing to control group (9.5 ± 2.3 vs. 15.0 ± 3.4 ms/mmHg) and statistically significant (P=0.004) difference comparing to M2 group 29.7 ± 10.1 ms/mmHg. In 10 s. precontraction period to M2 group HR statistically significant difference were stated comparing to other analyzed groups (70.7 ± 6.3 vs. 89.0 ± 3.6 vs. 84.2 ± 8.8 beats/min P=0.005). HR in M2 group during recovery period was significantly decreased comparing to controls and M1 group (61.6 ±5.9 vs. 76.0 ± 6.2 vs. 74.5 ± 9.5 beats/min; P=0.018).

It was concluded that M1 group had decreased parasympathetic activity. But patients of M2 group – increased parasympathetic activity. M1 group patients would be suitable for biofeedback trainings. Further investigation will be needed.