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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
16:13
Modeling Neural Immune Signaling of Episodic and Chronic Migraine Using Spreading Depression In Vitro
Published on: June 13, 2011
[The immune system and primary headache syndromes]
1Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Klinikum Grosshadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 München. moem@nefo.med.uni-muenchen.de
Der Anaesthesist
|November 13, 2001
Summary
The immune system
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
Context:
- Headache syndromes, including migraine and cluster headache, have long been suspected to involve immunological mechanisms.
- Physicians noted associations between pain, inflammation, and clinical signs suggesting immune system involvement.
Purpose:
- To review the current literature on immunological mechanisms in headache syndromes.
- To evaluate the evidence for immune system involvement in migraine and cluster headache pathophysiology.
Summary:
- Evidence for immune system involvement in migraine is limited; food allergies play a minor role, and immunoglobulins/infections are unlikely contributors. The roles of complement, auto-antibodies, immune cells, and cytokines remain uncertain.
- For cluster headache, immune system participation appears more likely, with T-cell activation frequently reported, though direct evidence for immunogenically triggered attacks is lacking. Systemic vasculitis and auto-antibodies are unlikely contributors.
- A bidirectional modulation between the immune and pain systems is the most certain conclusion.
Impact:
- Clarifies the current understanding of neuroimmunology in headache disorders.
- Highlights areas requiring further research, particularly the specific roles of immune components in migraine and cluster headache.
- Provides a foundation for exploring novel therapeutic targets modulating immune responses in headache treatment.
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