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Updated: Apr 23, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
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Our evolving understanding of migraine with aura
Justin M DeLange1, F Michael Cutrer
1Mayo Clinic, 200 W First Street, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|September 19, 2014
Summary
Migraine aura involves temporary neurological symptoms like visual changes. Cortical spreading depression (CSD) is the likely cause, suggesting a target for new migraine treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Migraine aura presents as reversible focal neurological symptoms preceding or accompanying headache.
- Common aura symptoms include visual, sensory, and language disturbances.
- New classifications include brainstem and motor symptoms, and monocular vision loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of migraine aura.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for migraine prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of current data from animal models.
- Analysis of functional neuroimaging studies in humans.
Main Results:
- Cortical spreading depression (CSD) is implicated as the mechanism behind migraine aura.
- Genetic factors may influence susceptibility to migraine aura and CSD.
Conclusions:
- CSD is the primary phenomenon underlying migraine aura.
- CSD presents a promising target for developing migraine-specific preventive therapies.
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