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Chronic migraine: A process of dysmodulation and sensitization
Min Su1,2, Shengyuan Yu1
11 Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Chronic migraine is a common chronic daily headache featured by frequent headache attacks with at least 15 headache days per month, which brings great disease burden to both the sufferers and the society. Transformed from episodic migraine, the pathophysiology of chronic migraine is not fully understood, even though several risk factors have been associated with migraine progression. Recent studies have identified both structural and functional alterations in some brain regions of chronic migraine patients indicating that maladaptation of the top-down pain modulation and subsequent sensitization of trigeminal system may be important in the pathogenesis of chronic migraine. Moreover, biochemical analysis has confirmed several molecules related to chronic migraine, which may serve as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. Chronic migraine is undertreated because of its poor treatment response and limited therapy options. In this article, we reviewed the latest data to outline the clinical feature, pathophysiological mechanism, and management of chronic migraine, in the expectation to provide direction for future research and finally to take good care of chronic migraine patients.
Insights
Chronic migraine, a debilitating daily headache, involves brain alterations and trigeminal system sensitization. Understanding its mechanisms and improving treatment options are crucial for patient care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
- Headache Disorders
Background:
- Chronic migraine is a prevalent condition causing significant disease burden.
- Its pathophysiology, distinct from episodic migraine, remains incompletely understood.
- Risk factors contributing to migraine progression have been identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest data on chronic migraine.
- To outline clinical features, pathophysiological mechanisms, and management strategies.
- To provide direction for future research and improve patient care.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature and clinical data.
- Analysis of structural and functional brain alterations in chronic migraine patients.
- Examination of biochemical markers and potential therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- Chronic migraine involves maladaptation of top-down pain modulation and trigeminal system sensitization.
- Structural and functional brain changes are evident in chronic migraine sufferers.
- Specific molecules implicated in chronic migraine pathogenesis have been identified.
Conclusions:
- Chronic migraine requires further research into its complex mechanisms.
- Improved understanding can lead to better therapeutic targets and treatment options.
- Addressing undertreatment and limited therapy options is essential for managing chronic migraine.
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