Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Association of μ-Opioid Activation in the Prefrontal Cortex with Spontaneous Migraine Attacks - Brief Report I
Alexandre F DaSilva1, Thiago D Nascimento2, Marcos F DosSantos2
1Headache and Orofacial Pain Effort (HOPE), Biologic and Materials Sciences Department, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States ; Michigan Center for Oral Health Research (MCOHR), School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States ; Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute (MBNI), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
Abstract:
We evaluated in vivo the μ-opioid system during spontaneous episodic migraine headaches. Seven patients were scanned at different phases of their migraine using Positron Emission Tomography with the selective μ-opioid receptor (μOR) radiotracer [11C]carfentanil. In the ictal phase, there was μOR activation in the medial prefrontal cortex, which was strongly associated with the μOR availability level during the interictal phase. Furthermore, μ-opioid binding changes showed moderate negative correlation with the combined extension and severity of the attacks. These results indicate for the first time that there is high μOR activation in the migraineurs' brains during headache attacks in response to their pain.
Insights
Migraine headaches involve activation of the μ-opioid system (μOR) in the brain. This study shows increased μ-opioid receptor availability during migraine attacks, linked to pain severity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Episodic migraine is a common neurological disorder.
- The role of the endogenous μ-opioid system in migraine pathophysiology is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate μ-opioid receptor (μOR) availability in the brains of migraine patients during spontaneous headache attacks.
- To explore the relationship between μOR activation and migraine characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging was used.
- The selective μ-opioid receptor radiotracer [11C]carfentanil was administered to seven patients.
- Scans were performed during ictal (headache) and interictal (pain-free) phases.
Main Results:
- μOR activation was observed in the medial prefrontal cortex during the ictal phase.
- This ictal μOR activation correlated with interictal μOR availability.
- Changes in μ-opioid binding were negatively correlated with migraine extension and severity.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of high μ-opioid receptor activation in migraineurs' brains during headache attacks.
- The findings suggest a role for the μ-opioid system in migraine pain processing and modulation.
