Reproducibility of visual sensitivity tests Quantitative Thresholds of Light Sensitivity and Pupillary Responses to Light.

• Grant number: 25/04151-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: October 02, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Débora Bevilaqua Grossi
• Grantee: Maria Luiza Santana Barros
• Supervisor: Melissa Cortez
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Utah (U), United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/07613-2 - Cross-cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Visual Aura Rating Scale (VARS) for the Brazilian version, BP.IC

Abstract

Migraine attacks involve multiple symptoms affecting the sensory and pain processing systems. These symptoms appear to be directly associated with neurological dysfunctions or amplifications, such as photophobia. The presence of such sensory amplifications may contribute to migraine chronification. Photophobia can be assessed using two tests: Quantitative Light Sensitivity Thresholds and Pupillary Responses to Light, which respectively assess patient's sensitization threshold and autonomic pupillary reflex response. However, the reproducibility of these assessments has not yet been established for migraine patients. This project aims to evaluate the reproducibility of both visual assessment tests in people diagnosed with migraine and experiencing high-frequency headaches. The student will primarily work with previously collected data, while also observing the application of the tests and other clinical evaluations. Additionally, she will be introduced to the data storage system used in Utah and will gain experience with advanced statistical analysis methods. Throughout the internship, the student will actively participate in laboratory routines and research group meetings, further enriching her academic development. This experience is expected to enhance the quality of the project being conducted in Brazil, as well as contribute to the advancement of research within the TMD and Headache Research Group. The knowledge and skills acquired during the internship will not only benefit the student's ongoing work but also support current and future projects within the Brazilian research group. (AU)