Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 13, 2026

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
10:39

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache

Published on: June 2, 2014

Headache of extracranial origin

E SELETZ

    California Medicine
    |November 1, 1958
    PubMed

    Insights

    Cervical spine pressure on nerves and vessels causes headaches. Conditions like osteophytosis and neck injuries can lead to vascular or neural disorders, resulting in pain.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurology
    • Orthopedics
    • Anatomy

    Background:

    • The cervical spine, vital for head support, also houses critical vessels and nerves.
    • Limited space within the cervical spine makes these structures vulnerable to pressure.
    • Cervical spine issues are a significant cause of headaches.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To explore the relationship between cervical spine anatomy and headache.
    • To identify mechanisms by which cervical spine pathologies cause pain.
    • To describe specific headache syndromes linked to cervical nerve disturbances.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of anatomical structures within the cervical spine.
    • Analysis of how posture and injury affect cervical structures.
    • Description of neurological pathways involved in cervical pain.

    Main Results:

    • Cervical foramina are constricted by cartilage, the vertebral artery, and joints.
    • Osteophytosis, swelling, or adhesions in the cervical spine cause vascular or neural disorders.
    • Neck posture, traction, or sprain can lead to vertebral artery compression and nerve irritation, causing headaches.
    • Skillern syndrome (migraine-like headache) is linked to the second cervical nerve and trigeminal nerve communication.
    • Minor scalp injuries can trigger headaches via irritated trigger areas.

    Conclusions:

    • Cervical spine structures play a crucial role in headache etiology.
    • Understanding cervical anatomy and pathology is key to diagnosing and treating certain headaches.
    • Nerve and vascular compression within the cervical spine are significant headache triggers.

    Keywords:
    HEADACHE/etiology and pathogenesisSPINAL CORD/diseases

    More Related Videos

    Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache05:40

    Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache

    Published on: July 29, 2021

    Minimally Invasive Surgical Decompression of Occipital Nerves04:06

    Minimally Invasive Surgical Decompression of Occipital Nerves

    Published on: September 13, 2024

    Related Concept Videos

    Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

    Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

    Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
    Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

    Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

    Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
    Veins of Head and Neck01:19

    Veins of Head and Neck

    The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
    On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
    Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

    Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

    Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
    Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

    Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

    A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
    Cerebral Edema l: Introduction01:19

    Cerebral Edema l: Introduction

    Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...