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Updated: May 21, 2026

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
The role of the neurovascular scalp structures in migraine
1Neuropsichiatria Inf., Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, University of Cagliari, Italy. cianchet@unica.it
Aim:
To review reports suggesting a role for neurovascular scalp structures in migraine.
Main Data Reported:
(A) Scalp periarterial nervous fibres contain all the main peptides and receptors involved in pain. (B) It is possible to interrupt or alleviate migraine pain with a prolonged compression of the main scalp arteries, which decreases blood flow through the pain-sensitized vessels and probably induces a temporary conduction block of periarterial nociceptive fibres. (C) Painful points are present on the scalp arteries of a considerable percentage of migraine sufferers. (D) It is possible to stop or alleviate pain by intervening on nociceptive periarterial fibres, as for example with the injection of lidocaine or 3-5 ml saline, and with percutaneous application of a capsaicin cream.
Conclusion:
The data reported suggest a role for neurovascular scalp structures in at least some patients with migraine. It would be of interest to find a clinical distinction between patients according to the prevalence of an intracranial or extracranial peripheral pain mechanism. This could lead to more efficacious treatments.
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