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Updated: Aug 23, 2025

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Anatomy and Physiology of Headache
Andrea M Harriott1, Yulia Orlova2
1Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Abstract:
Headache disorders can produce recurrent, incapacitating pain. Migraine and cluster headache are notable for their ability to produce significant disability. The anatomy and physiology of headache disorders is fundamental to evolving treatment approaches and research priorities. Key concepts in headache mechanisms include activation and sensitization of trigeminovascular, brainstem, thalamic, and hypothalamic neurons; modulation of cortical brain regions; and activation of descending pain circuits. This review will examine the relevant anatomy of the trigeminal, brainstem, subcortical, and cortical brain regions and concepts related to the pathophysiology of migraine and cluster headache disorders.
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