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Updated: Dec 23, 2025

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
From transformation to chronification of migraine: pathophysiological and clinical aspects
M Torres-Ferrús1, F Ursitti2, A Alpuente3
1Headache and Craniofacial Pain Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Headache and Neurological Pain Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. marttorr@vhebron.net.
Abstract:
Chronic migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by 15 or more headache days per month of which at least 8 days show typical migraine features. The process that describes the development from episodic migraine into chronic migraine is commonly referred to as migraine transformation or chronification. Ample studies have attempted to identify factors associated with migraine transformation from different perspectives. Understanding CM as a pathological brain state with trigeminovascular participation where biological changes occur, we have completed a comprehensive review on the clinical, epidemiological, genetic, molecular, structural, functional, physiological and preclinical evidence available.
Insights
Chronic migraine develops from episodic migraine, involving complex biological changes. This review synthesizes evidence on factors contributing to migraine transformation into a chronic state.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Chronic migraine (CM) is defined as 15+ headache days/month, with 8+ days exhibiting migraine features.
- Migraine transformation, or chronification, describes the progression from episodic to chronic migraine.
- Understanding the pathological brain state of CM is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review existing evidence on factors influencing migraine transformation.
- To explore the clinical, epidemiological, genetic, molecular, structural, functional, physiological, and preclinical aspects of CM.
- To elucidate the biological changes associated with the development of chronic migraine.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies on migraine transformation.
- Analysis of clinical and epidemiological data.
- Evaluation of genetic, molecular, structural, functional, physiological, and preclinical research.
Main Results:
- Identified multiple factors contributing to migraine chronification from diverse scientific fields.
- Highlighted the trigeminovascular system's role in the pathological brain state of CM.
- Synthesized evidence indicating significant biological alterations in chronic migraine.
Conclusions:
- Migraine transformation is a complex process influenced by various factors.
- CM represents a pathological brain state with demonstrable biological changes.
- Further research integrating multiple evidence types is needed to fully understand and treat chronic migraine.
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