Abstract

Background
Migraine is a common neurological condition that often involves differences in visual
processing. These sensory processing differences provide important information about
the underlying causes of the condition, and for the development of treatments.
Review of Psychophysical Literature
Psychophysical experiments have shown consistent impairments in contrast
sensitivity, orientation acuity, and the perception of global form and motion. They
have also established that the addition of task-irrelevant visual noise has a greater
effect, and that surround suppression, masking and adaptation are all stronger in
migraine.
Theoretical Signal Processing Model
We propose utilising an established model of visual processing, based on signal
processing theory, to account for the behavioural differences seen in migraine. This
has the advantage of precision and clarity, and generating clear, falsifiable
predictions.
Conclusion
Increased effects of noise and differences in excitation and inhibition can account for
the differences in migraine visual perception. Consolidating existing research and
creating a unified, defined theoretical account is needed to better understand the
disorder.