The brain is hyperexcitable in migraine

Cephalalgia. 2007 Dec;27(12):1442-53. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2007.01502.x.

Abstract

Migraine is a very common disorder occurring in 20% of women and 6% of men. Central neuronal hyperexcitability is proposed to be the putative basis for the physiological disturbances in migraine. Since there are no consistent structural disturbances in migraine, physiological and psychophysical studies have provided insight into the underlying mechanisms. This is a review of the neurophysiological studies which have provided an insight to migraine pathogenesis supporting the theory of hyperexcitability.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Cortex / physiopathology*
  • Evoked Potentials*
  • Humans
  • Hyperalgesia / physiopathology*
  • Migraine Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Models, Neurological*