[Experimental headache models]

The use of experimental models is so common in most diseases, such as stroke, epilepsy or brain injury, that it does not seem to be necessary to justify in the study of experimental headache models. However, the study of these models was not been possible until 10-15 years ago. Two main reasons made it possible: first, increased basic knowledge about disease mechanisms in the last decade, a requirement necessary before models can be developed and validated; second, the publication of the headache classification of the International Headache Society in 1988 which has permitted an exact diagnosis, avoiding interobserver variability. This review examines the use of animal models to study the neurogenic inflammation described by Moskowitz and those used to study the vascular hypothesis. We have also examined the use of animal experiments to study the neurobiological basis for pain. Finally, we have explored the experimental human headache models not only in sufferers but also in healthy volunteers.