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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
Advanced brain MRI may help understand the link between migraine and multiple sclerosis
Susie Y Huang1,2, Marc Salomon3, Katharina Eikermann-Haerter4,5
1Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Background:
There is a clinical association between migraine and multiple sclerosis.
Main Body:
Migraine and MS patients share similar demographics, with the highest incidence among young, female and otherwise healthy patients. The same hormonal constellations/changes trigger disease exacerbation in both entities. Migraine prevalence is increased in MS patients, which is further enhanced by disease-modifying treatment. Clinical data show that onset of migraine typically starts years before the clinical diagnosis of MS, suggesting that there is either a unidirectional relationship with migraine predisposing to MS, and/or a "shared factor" underlying both conditions. Brain imaging studies show white matter lesions in both MS and migraine patients. Neuroinflammatory mechanisms likely play a key role, at least as a shared downstream pathway. In this review article, we provide an overview of the literature about 1) the clinical association between migraine and MS as well as 2) brain MRI studies that help us better understand the mechanistic relationship between both diseases with implications on their underlying pathophysiology.
Conclusion:
Studies suggest a migraine history predisposes patients to develop MS. Advanced brain MR imaging may shed light on shared and distinct features, while helping us better understand mechanisms underlying both disease entities.
Insights
A history of migraine may predispose individuals to developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Research suggests shared neuroinflammatory pathways and brain imaging may reveal underlying mechanisms connecting these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimmunology
- Radiology
Background:
- Clinical association observed between migraine and multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Shared demographics and hormonal triggers noted in both conditions.
- Migraine prevalence increases in MS patients, potentially exacerbated by treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical association between migraine and MS.
- To explore brain MRI findings in both diseases.
- To understand the mechanistic relationship and pathophysiology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical data on migraine and MS.
- Analysis of brain imaging studies (MRI) in patients with migraine and MS.
- Examination of neuroinflammatory mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Migraine onset often precedes MS diagnosis, suggesting predisposition or shared factors.
- White matter lesions are present in both MS and migraine patients.
- Neuroinflammation is a likely shared pathway.
Conclusions:
- Migraine history may predispose individuals to developing MS.
- Advanced brain MRI can illuminate shared and distinct disease features.
- Further understanding of underlying mechanisms is facilitated by imaging studies.
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