Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Chronic migraine: current pathophysiologic concepts as targets for treatment
1Center for Neurosciences, 2450 East River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA. bvargas@neurotucson.com
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|January 8, 2009
Summary
Chronic daily headache (CDH) affects 4% of people, with chronic migraine (CM) being a severe subset. Research suggests neurotransmitter imbalances and disrupted pain pathways contribute to CM, and treatments targeting these issues show effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Chronic daily headache (CDH) impacts ~4% of the population, causing significant disability.
- Chronic migraine (CM) is a subtype of CDH, defined as migraine without aura occurring ≥15 days/month for ≥3 months.
- The underlying pathophysiology of CM remains largely unknown despite identified risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential pathophysiological mechanisms driving chronic migraine.
- To investigate the role of neurotransmitters and antinociceptive systems in CM.
Main Methods:
- This study reviews existing literature on CM pathophysiology.
- It examines the involvement of neurotransmitters like glutamate.
- It assesses the role of disruptions in antinociceptive pathways.
Main Results:
- Evidence implicates neurotransmitter dysregulation, particularly involving glutamate, in CM.
- Disruptions in central antinociceptive systems and structures are associated with CM.
- Treatments targeting these identified abnormalities demonstrate efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Neurotransmitter imbalances and impaired pain modulation are key factors in chronic migraine.
- Understanding these mechanisms offers therapeutic targets for effective CM management.
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