Migraine and Posttraumatic Headache: Similarities and Differences in Brain Network Connectivity
Catherine D Chong1, Jennifer Nikolova2, Gina M Dumkrieger1
1Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona.
Seminars in Neurology
|November 2, 2022
Summary
Posttraumatic headache (PTH) and migraine share similar brain network alterations, particularly in pain processing and top-down control systems. However, distinct functional connectivity differences suggest unique pathophysiological mechanisms in each headache disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Posttraumatic headache (PTH) is a prevalent symptom after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), often presenting with migraine-like features.
- The overlapping phenotypes of PTH and migraine suggest shared underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
- Understanding these similarities and differences is crucial for advancing treatment strategies for both conditions.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes findings from resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) studies in PTH.
- rsFC data from PTH studies are systematically compared with existing literature on migraine.
- The analysis focuses on identifying commonalities and divergences in brain network function.
Key Points:
- Both migraine and PTH exhibit widespread alterations in static and dynamic functional networks critical for pain processing.
- Dysfunctional network connections between frontal regions and pain modulation/inhibition areas are observed in both headache types.
- Evidence suggests dysregulation of the top-down pain control system is implicated in both migraine and PTH.
Conclusions:
- Migraine and PTH share overlapping functional network abnormalities, particularly concerning pain modulation.
- Disease-specific differences in functional circuitry highlight unique pathophysiological aspects of each disorder.
- Further research into PTH functional neuroimaging is needed to fully elucidate its relationship with migraine.
