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3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Migraine pain: reflections against vasodilatation
Alessandro Panconesi1, Maria Letizia Bartolozzi, Leonello Guidi
1Health Authority 11, Empoli (Florence), Italy. a.panconesi@virgilio.it
The Journal of Headache and Pain
|June 6, 2009
Summary
Migraine pain may originate centrally in the brain, challenging the vascular theory. Evidence suggests calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists are effective, but vasodilatation might not be the primary pain generator.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Biology
- Pain Research
Background:
- The vascular theory of migraine was historically supported by triptan drugs, which act as cephalic vasoconstrictors.
- The neurovascular hypothesis emphasizes trigeminal nerve activation and the role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in meningeal vessel vasodilation.
- Recent studies on CGRP receptor antagonists suggest a role for vasodilation in migraine pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the evidence supporting cephalic vasodilation as the primary cause of migraine pain.
- To present findings that suggest a central (brain) origin for migraine pain.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on migraine theories, including vascular and neurovascular hypotheses.
- Analysis of therapeutic effects of CGRP receptor antagonists.
- Discussion of evidence contradicting the role of vasodilation in migraine pain generation.
Main Results:
- Evidence exists that challenges the notion of cephalic vasodilation as the sole or primary generator of migraine pain.
- The efficacy of CGRP receptor antagonists provides support for the involvement of CGRP pathways, but not necessarily vasodilation itself.
- Findings suggest that the origin of migraine pain may be located within the central nervous system.
Conclusions:
- The role of cephalic vasodilatation in migraine pain requires further investigation and may be less significant than previously thought.
- A central origin of pain within the brain is a plausible alternative or complementary explanation for migraine pathophysiology.
- Future research should focus on elucidating the central mechanisms underlying migraine pain.
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