Queckenstedt's test headache response is associated with increased jugular venous flow volume during migraine attack

Cephalic venous congestion induced by Queckenstedt's (Q)-test, i.e., transient compression of bilateral internal jugular veins (IJV), can aggravate headache intensity during migraine attacks, especially in patients with throbbing pain. We hypothesized that the IJV flow volume was related to the Q-test response. Ultrasonography was used to measure the flow volume of bilateral IJV in migraine patients during acute attacks and interictal periods and in normal controls. All acute migraine patients underwent Q-test in a supine position. "Q-test headache response" was designated by the changes in headache intensity (0-10 scale) before and 30 s after the Q-test. Thirty-nine acute migraine patients, 20 interictal migraine patients and 23 noxrmal controls completed the study. Acute migraine patients had higher bilateral IJV flow volume than both interictal patients and normal controls (973.4 ± 348.2 vs. 733.8 ± 210.1 vs. 720.3 ± 244.9 mL/min, p = 0.001). In acute migraine patients, bilateral IJV flow volume was the only independent variable related to the Q-test headache response (adjusted R²= 0.422). Thus, the IJV flow volume was increased during migraine attacks and was directly related to the Q-test response. It may be used as a research tool for peripheral sensitization during acute migraine attacks.