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Macro- and microstructural alterations of the subcortical structures in episodic cluster headache
András Király1, Nikoletta Szabó1,2, Árpád Párdutz1
11 Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|April 21, 2017
Summary
This study found structural and microstructural changes in subcortical brain regions in episodic cluster headache patients, offering new insights into pain processing mechanisms in this neurological condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Pain Research
Background:
- Subcortical structures are crucial for pain processing.
- Recurring pain may induce neuroplastic or degenerative changes detectable by MRI.
- Episodic cluster headache (CH) is a debilitating neurological disorder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate macro- and microstructural alterations in subcortical nuclei in episodic cluster headache.
- To identify potential biomarkers for CH pathophysiology.
- To explore lateralized changes in brain structure and microstructure.
Main Methods:
- Acquisition of high-resolution T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted MRI scans from 22 CH patients and 94 healthy controls.
- Surface-based segmentation for subcortical volume measurement.
- Determination of diffusion parameters (FA, MD, RD, AD) and analysis of asymmetry.
Main Results:
- Healthy controls exhibited significant lateralization in subcortical size and diffusion parameters.
- CH patients showed increased mean fractional anisotropy (FA) in the right amygdala.
- CH patients displayed altered diffusion parameters in the right caudate nucleus and right pallidum, with decreased FA in the right pallidum.
Conclusions:
- Episodic cluster headache is associated with macro- and microstructural alterations in subcortical nuclei.
- These findings provide insights into the pathomechanisms of pain processing in CH.
- Subcortical structural changes may serve as potential imaging biomarkers for CH.
