Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Trigemino-cervical reflex in patients with headache
1Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Hospital of Neurology and Psychiatry 'St Naum', Sofia, Bulgaria. milanovivan@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Neurophysiological studies have shown abnormal activity of some brainstem nuclei in headache patients. The trigemino-cervical reflex is an anti-nociceptive reflex that gives an opportunity for evaluation of the brainstem interneurone activity. It has not been previously examined in headache patients. We studied 15 patients with predominantly unilateral chronic tension-type headache, 15 patients with migraine without aura and 32 healthy subjects. The trigemino-cervical reflex was recorded bilaterally from the resting sternocleidomastoid muscle using surface electromyographic recordings. In all headache patients the trigemino-cervical reflex on the painful side was with shortened latency compared with the non-painful side and with healthy persons. The results suggest decreased activity of the brainstem inhibitory interneurones. We suggest that although the pathophysiological mechanisms of tension-type headache and migraine are different, they share common mechanisms of abnormal pain control.
Related Concept Videos
Muscles that Move the Head
The bilateral sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, and the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are significant head flexors. The SCM muscles originate at the sternum and clavicle and attach to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The SCM contracts bilaterally to bend the head forward, whereas...
Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy
Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
Somatic Spinal Reflexes
One of the most well-known somatic spinal reflexes is the stretch reflex, which is activated by the sudden stretching of a muscle. This reflex involves the activation of specialized sensory receptors called muscle spindles, which are located in the muscle tissue and detect changes in the length and speed of muscle contractions. When a muscle is suddenly...
Cranial Part of Parasympathetic Division
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) alone accounts for approximately 75...

