Migraine and the extrapyramidal system

P Barbanti1, G Fabbrini

  • 1Department of Neurological Sciences, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy. piero.barbanti@uniroma1.it

Insights

This review suggests the extrapyramidal system (EPS) is involved in migraine, potentially in pain processing or adaptive responses. However, direct primary involvement in migraine pathophysiology remains unproven.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroscience
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Migraine is a complex neurological disorder.
  • The extrapyramidal system (EPS) is involved in motor control and other functions.
  • The relationship between migraine and the EPS is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and critically appraise existing clinical and experimental data on the interactions between migraine and the EPS.
  • To evaluate the evidence for the EPS's role in migraine pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of clinical and experimental studies.
  • Critical appraisal of observational data.
  • Analysis of shared neurotransmitters and pathways.

Main Results:

  • The EPS appears to be involved in migraine.
  • Concomitant occurrence of migraine and EPS symptoms/diseases suggests a link.
  • Shared neurotransmitters and pathways between migraine and EPS are noted.

Conclusions:

  • Direct primary involvement of the EPS in migraine pathophysiology is not yet proven.
  • EPS involvement in migraine may relate to nociceptive processing.
  • EPS involvement could be part of migraine's adaptive behavioral response.

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