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Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Investigating Migraine-Like Behavior Using Light Aversion in Mice
Published on: August 11, 2021
Current understanding of thalamic structure and function in migraine
Samaira Younis1, Anders Hougaard1, Rodrigo Noseda2
1Danish Headache Center and Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Objective:
To review and discuss the literature on the role of thalamic structure and function in migraine.
Discussion:
The thalamus holds an important position in our understanding of allodynia, central sensitization and photophobia in migraine. Structural and functional findings suggest abnormal functional connectivity between the thalamus and various cortical regions pointing towards an altered pain processing in migraine. Pharmacological nociceptive modulation suggests that the thalamus is a potential drug target.
Conclusion:
A critical role for the thalamus in migraine-related allodynia and photophobia is well established. Additionally, the thalamus is most likely involved in the dysfunctional pain modulation and processing in migraine, but further research is needed to clarify the exact clinical implications of these findings.
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