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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
[What is migraine?].
1Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 02215-1204, Boston, USA. mschuerks@rics.bwh.harvard.edu
Der Nervenarzt
|March 27, 2009
Summary
Migraine is a complex neurological disorder with both brain and blood vessel involvement. Further research is needed to fully understand its causes and improve treatments for migraine patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Vascular Biology
Context:
- Migraine is a multifactorial and heterogeneous neurological disorder.
- International Headache Society diagnostic criteria exist but are not fully definitive.
- Pathophysiology involves complex neuronal and vascular phenomena.
Purpose:
- To explore the multifactorial nature of migraine, including its pathophysiology, genetics, and potential epigenetic mechanisms.
- To highlight the limitations in current understanding and treatment of migraine.
- To discuss the role of cortical spreading depression, brainstem/hypothalamic activation, and vascular factors.
Summary:
- Neuronal factors include cortical spreading depression and central nervous system activation.
- Vascular factors involve links to cardiovascular disease, vasoreactivity, and endothelial dysfunction.
- Current treatments like triptans and CGRP antagonists have limitations, with up to 30% non-response.
- Genetic components are recognized, but specific genes for common migraine forms are not yet identified.
- Electrophysiological findings suggest 'dyshabituation' and altered sensory perception.
- Epigenetic mechanisms are implicated due to age, sex, and environmental factor influences.
Impact:
- Limited knowledge hinders a complete definition and effective treatment strategies for migraine.
- Understanding underlying mechanisms is crucial for developing more targeted and effective migraine therapies.
- Further research into genetics and epigenetics may unlock new therapeutic avenues for migraine sufferers.
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