Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
The hypothalamus: specific or nonspecific role in the pathophysiology of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias?
Dagny Holle1, Zaza Katsarava, Mark Obermann
1Department of Neurology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany. dagny.holle@uk-essen.de
Abstract:
The clinical features of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs), such as trigeminal distribution of pain, circadian/circannual rhythmicity, and ipsilateral cranial autonomic features, suggest a crucial role of the hypothalamus in the underlying pathophysiology of these primary headache disorders. Hypothalamic involvement is supported by several neuroimaging, neuroendocrine, genetic, experimental pain, and animal studies. Unfortunately, these different studies were unable to resolve the paramount question of whether the detected hypothalamic alterations are pathognomonic for TACs or whether they merely represent an epiphenomenon of different pain conditions in general. This review summarizes studies on hypothalamic involvement in TAC pathophysiology, demonstrates hypothalamic activation in other painful diseases, and evaluates the role of the hypothalamus in the pathophysiologic mechanisms associated with these different conditions.
Related Concept Videos
Diencephalon: Hypothalamus and Coordination
The hypothalamus interacts with other brain regions, including the pituitary gland, through a direct physical connection called the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The hypothalamus receives somatic and visceral inputs and...
Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions
Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Diencephalon: Thalamus and Information Relay
Autonomic Nervous System
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. These divisions function antagonistically to maintain a dynamic...
Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla
Olivary Nucleus
The olivary nucleus, or inferior olivary nucleus, is located within the ventrolateral part of the medulla oblongata. It is primarily involved in motor coordination and motor learning. The olivary nucleus receives input from the spinal cord, cerebellum, and motor...

