The following is a summary of “Central generators of migraine and autonomic cephalalgias as targets for personalized pain management: Translational links,” published in the July 2023 issue of Pain by Noseda et al.

Migraine is a brain disorder caused by dysexcitability of central nervous system (CNS) networks, influenced by peripheral sensory and autonomic signaling, and associated with internal homeostatic functions and biological rhythms.

Researchers started a retrospective study to assess CNS dysfunctions in primary headaches and their role in headache susceptibility. They compiled scientific literature from human and animal studies, offering valuable insights into the anatomical and functional aspects of the CNS in migraine and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias.

The results indicated that the medullary, hypothalamic, and corticofugal modulation mechanisms served as critical neural substrates for understanding the connections between maladaptive states in the trigeminovascular system, migraine triggers, and the temporal aspects of the condition.

Investigators concluded that an improved understanding of homeostatic dysfunctional states in primary headache disorders may benefit personalized therapeutic approaches.

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejp.2158