NEUROPLASTICITY AND WHITE MATTER RECOVERY FOLLOWING MIGRAINE TREATMENT IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS AGED 6–12 YEARS

Abstract

Background: Pediatric migraine significantly affects both quality of life and neurodevelopment, and is associated with alterations in white matter microstructure. Advanced imaging, such as Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), enables the assessment of these changes.

Objective: To evaluate neuroplasticity in white matter recovery using DTI-MRI before and after a structured 12-month migraine treatment protocol in children.

Methods: Prospective cohort study of 119 children (6–12 years) diagnosed with migraine (ICHD-3 criteria). Baseline DTI-MRI and neurocognitive testing were performed, followed by structured prophylactic/acute treatment and monthly clinical evaluation. Final DTI-MRI and neurocognitive battery were repeated at 12 months. Statistical analysis involved paired t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA.

Results: Significant improvements were seen in fractional anisotropy (FA) in the corpus callosum and internal capsule. Migraine frequency decreased from a mean of 9.4 to 2.1 episodes per month. Neurocognitive scores improved from 68 to 88.

Conclusion: Structured treatment of pediatric migraine leads to measurable recovery in white matter integrity and cognitive function, supporting a role for neuroplasticity.