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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Pathophysiology of migraine.
1Headache Group, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, 1635 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA. pgoadsby@headache.ucsf.edu
Neurologic Clinics
|March 18, 2009
Summary
Migraine is a common central nervous system disorder with inherited tendencies and sensitivity to triggers. Attacks involve abnormal sensory perceptions due to disturbances in brain modulatory systems.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Central Nervous System Disorders
Background:
- Migraine is a prevalent and disabling neurological disorder.
- It affects the central nervous system and is characterized by specific features.
- Understanding its underlying mechanisms is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the key features and underlying pathophysiology of migraine.
- To describe the typical migraine attack phenotype and its sensory disturbances.
- To identify the brain regions and systems implicated in migraine.
Main Methods:
- This study is based on a review of existing literature and clinical observations.
- Analysis of the characteristic features of migraine attacks.
- Identification of affected brain structures and systems.
Main Results:
- Migraine exhibits a strong inherited component and heightened sensitivity to triggers.
- Attacks involve abnormal sensory perceptions, including pain without nociceptive activation and heightened sensitivity to light and sound.
- The disturbance originates in subcortical aminergic sensory modulatory systems, including brainstem, hypothalamic, and thalamic changes.
Conclusions:
- Migraine pathophysiology involves disruptions in central nervous system sensory modulation.
- The clinical presentation is linked to abnormalities in specific brainstem, hypothalamic, and thalamic pathways.
- Further research into these systems may reveal novel therapeutic targets.
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