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3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Posterior cerebral hypoperfusion in migraine without aura
M Denuelle1, N Fabre, P Payoux
1Department of Neurology, Rangueil Hospital, France. denuelle.m@chu-toulouse.fr
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|June 3, 2008
Summary
Migraine without aura attacks show posterior cortical hypoperfusion early in the headache phase. This brain blood flow change persists even after pain relief, suggesting a common mechanism in migraine with and without aura.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Cerebrovascular Physiology
Background:
- Migraine with aura is linked to posterior cortical hypoperfusion.
- Migraine without aura typically shows minimal brain perfusion changes.
- This suggests distinct hemodynamic patterns between migraine types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate early hypoperfusion during migraine without aura attacks.
- To utilize positron emission tomography (PET) for precise imaging.
- To compare brain perfusion during headache, post-relief, and interictal states.
Main Methods:
- H2(15)O PET scans were performed on seven patients with migraine without aura.
- Scans were conducted during headache, after sumatriptan-induced relief, and during attack-free intervals.
- Statistical Parametric Mapping 2 (SPM2) was used for analysis.
Main Results:
- Significant bilateral posterior cortical hypoperfusion was detected within 4 hours of attack onset.
- This hypoperfusion persisted even after headache relief following sumatriptan treatment.
- No significant changes were observed during the attack-free interval.
Conclusions:
- Posterior cortical hypoperfusion occurs in migraine without aura, challenging previous assumptions.
- This finding suggests a potentially shared underlying pathogenesis between migraine with and without aura.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the role of hypoperfusion in migraine pathogenesis.
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