A recent pilot study demonstrated the use of a simple electrophysiological marker that can potentially improve the prediction of migraine attacks. The problem of migraine led to considerable discomfort and decreased functioning for days at a time, involving the pre-ictal and post-ictal periods. Although migraineurs appear to function normally during the inter-ictal period. Consequently, that event-associated potentials of migraineurs usually differ in the asymptomatic and inter-ictal period. Electrophysiological dynamics gain attention in the migraine cycle. This analysis involved the assessment of a simple easy-to-use new marker, the Brain Engagement Index (BEI) to monitor the migraine cycle.

A total of twelve migraineurs were examined for 20 days within one calendar month. All sittings involved patients' report of stress level and migraine-associated symptoms, and record a 5 min EEG with a 2-electrode EEG device at an auditory oddball task. The analysis of the first minute of the EEG sample was made. Ten healthy controls were used to collect repetitive samples.

A significant increase was seen at the pre-ictal and the ictal periods than at the inter-ictal period with the brain engagement index. Controls exhibited even Brain Engagement Index values, which were higher than inter-ictal, yet lower than pre-ictal. The findings showed a significant benefit of this simple EEG system; however, additional analysis is needed to assess the effectiveness of BEI in recording the migraine cycle and potential outcomes of interventions.