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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
MRI findings in a case of ophthalmoplegic migraine
E W Stommel1, T N Ward, R D Harris
1Section of Neurology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756.
Abstract:
MRI using gadolinium contrast material can demonstrate lesions in cranial nerves. Tumors and inflammatory lesions have been described. There is little published information on MRI of cranial nerves in patients with migraine headaches with ophthalmoplegia. We present a case of ophthalmoplegic migraine with a cranial nerve abnormality which was subsequently shown to improve as the patient clinically improved. Implications from this finding are discussed in relation to the pathophysiology of ophthalmoplegic migraine.
Insights
Ophthalmoplegic migraine may involve cranial nerve abnormalities visible on MRI. These abnormalities can improve with clinical recovery, offering insights into the condition's underlying causes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium contrast is valuable for visualizing cranial nerve lesions.
- Published data on MRI findings in ophthalmoplegic migraine patients is limited.
Observation:
- This study details a case of ophthalmoplegic migraine featuring a cranial nerve abnormality detected via MRI.
- The observed cranial nerve abnormality demonstrated improvement correlating with the patient's clinical recovery.
Findings:
- Cranial nerve abnormalities can be present in ophthalmoplegic migraine.
- The resolution of these abnormalities suggests a dynamic process linked to migraine episodes.
Implications:
- Findings suggest that cranial nerve abnormalities in ophthalmoplegic migraine may be transient and related to the acute migraine event.
- This case provides potential insights into the pathophysiology of ophthalmoplegic migraine, possibly involving inflammatory or ischemic mechanisms affecting cranial nerves.
