Correlation analysis of P300 and serum neuron-specific enolase changes in the migraine attack cycle with headache characteristics

ObjectiveTo analyze the correlation between changes in P300 during migraine episodes and serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels with headache characteristics.MethodsSeventy-six migraine patients diagnosed and treated at the Department of Neurology, Ninth Two-Zero Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force between September 2024 and March 2025 were enrolled. Participants were divided into an acute phase group (n=46) and an interictal phase group (n=30) based on migraine cycle. Baseline clinical data were collected. Event-related potential (ERP) technology was used to measure P300 latency and amplitude, while radioimmunoassay was employed to detect serum NSE levels. Comparisons were made between groups for P300 latency, P300 amplitude, and serum NSE levels. Correlations were analyzed between these parameters and headache characteristics within each group. The interictal group underwent follow-up visits at the hospital during the interictal period 3 months later. The P300 latency, P300 amplitude, and serum NSE levels at both time points were compared, and the correlation between these parameters and headache characteristics at follow-up was analyzed.ResultsCompared with the interictal group, the ictal group exhibited prolonged P300 latency [(388.54 ± 34.36) vs. (362.37 ± 29.40)], reduced amplitude [(9.11 ± 5.81) vs. (13.46 ± 5.91)], and elevated serum NSE levels [(9.17 ± 4.29) vs. (6.65 ± 2.88)], all differences being statistically significant (Pvs. (367.64 ± 30.56)], lower amplitude [8.24(3.63,13.44) vs. 11.70(8.28,16.29)], and higher serum NSE levels [8.82(5.70,12.13) vs. 6.74(4.81,9.48)], with all differences statistically significant (PPPP>0.05). Follow-up in the attack group showed a positive correlation between P300 latency and serum NSE levels with headache severity, frequency, and duration (PP>0.05).ConclusionMigraine patients exhibit cumulative effects of cognitive processing deficits and neural damage. Neurophysiological abnormalities and neuronal injury during the attack phase demonstrate phase-specificity. Serum NSE and P300 can serve as dynamic biomarkers for assessing migraine-related neural damage and cognitive impairment.