Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Could glial activation be a factor in migraine?
1The Auckland Regional Pain Service, Auckland District Health Board, 10 Owens Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023, New Zealand. jbartley@ihug.co.nz
Medical Hypotheses
|November 28, 2008
Summary
Migraine involves central neural hypersensitivity, potentially linked to glial cell activation. Targeting glial cells could offer new treatments for acute migraine attacks and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroimmunology
- Pain Research
Background:
- Migraine is characterized by central neural hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli.
- Current research primarily focuses on neuronal function, overlooking potential glial contributions.
- Sensory processing dysfunction in brain stem or diencephalic nuclei is implicated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of glial cell activation in migraine-associated neural hypersensitivity.
- To investigate the potential therapeutic implications of targeting glial cells in migraine.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on migraine pathophysiology.
- Analysis of the role of microglia and astrocytes in neuronal function regulation.
- Examination of neuroexcitatory substances released by activated glial cells.
Main Results:
- Activated microglia and astrocytes release neuroexcitatory substances like nitric oxide and cytokines.
- Spinal glial activation contributes to enhanced pain states.
- The contribution of glial cell activation to migraine hypersensitivity has been largely ignored.
Conclusions:
- Central neural hypersensitivity in migraine may stem from glial cell activation.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting glial activation could be beneficial for acute migraine treatment.
- Blocking glial activation may offer potential for migraine prophylaxis.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
01:04Glial Cells
Overview
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
01:29Increased 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...
01:31Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells
Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...