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Updated: May 25, 2026
Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging
Published on: November 8, 2012
White matter microstructural alterations in migraine: a diffusion-weighted MRI study
Nikoletta Szabó1, Zsigmond Tamás Kincses, Árpád Párdutz
1Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary Euromedic Diagnostics Hungary Ltd., Szeged, Hungary Department of Radiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary Department of Neurological Sciences, II Faculty of Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Migraine is a common and disabling neurological disease. The pathomechanism that underlies the disorder is not entirely understood, and reliable biomarkers are missing. In the current analysis we looked for microstructural alterations of the brain white matter in migraine patients by means of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The measurements were carried out with a novel approach based on fine-tuned nonlinear registration and nonparametric permutation test in an alignment-invariant tract representation (Tract-Based Spatial Statistics). We found reduced fractional anisotropy in the right frontal white matter cluster of migraine patients. In the same region we also found increased mean diffusivity and increased radial diffusivity. The probabilistic tractography showed connection of this cluster to other parts of the pain network (orbitofrontal cortex, insula, thalamus, dorsal midbrain). We speculate that these findings reflect maladaptive plastic changes or white matter disintegration.
Insights
Researchers found white matter changes in the brains of migraine patients using advanced MRI. These alterations in the frontal lobe may indicate maladaptive plasticity or disintegration within the pain network.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder with significant disability.
- The underlying pathomechanism of migraine remains incompletely understood.
- A lack of reliable biomarkers hinders effective diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microstructural alterations in brain white matter among migraine patients.
- To identify potential imaging biomarkers for migraine.
Main Methods:
- Utilized diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) for brain white matter analysis.
- Employed a novel approach involving fine-tuned nonlinear registration and nonparametric permutation tests within Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS).
- Performed probabilistic tractography to map white matter connections.
Main Results:
- Identified reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) in a right frontal white matter cluster in migraine patients.
- Observed increased mean diffusivity (MD) and increased radial diffusivity (RD) in the same region.
- Probabilistic tractography revealed connections between this cluster and key pain network areas, including the orbitofrontal cortex, insula, thalamus, and dorsal midbrain.
Conclusions:
- The observed white matter alterations in the frontal lobe of migraine patients suggest potential maladaptive plastic changes.
- These findings may also indicate white matter disintegration contributing to the pathophysiology of migraine.
- This research highlights the potential of dMRI and TBSS in uncovering neurobiological underpinnings of migraine.
