Scientists in Denmark have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding migraines with aura, specifically why the pain is concentrated on one side of the head. This new finding could lead to the development of innovative treatments for patients suffering from migraines, according to neurologist Wilfrid Casseron.
Migraines are a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide, characterized by severe headaches that typically impact one side of the skull. In some cases, a migraine attack is preceded by an aura, which causes temporary visual or sensory disturbances. The study, published in the prestigious journal Science, aimed to shed light on why the pain is unilateral in most migraines.
The researchers from the University of Copenhagen conducted their study using mice. They were able to demonstrate that proteins released by the brain during a migraine with aura are transported through the cerebrospinal fluid to the nerves responsible for pain. The study also involved MRI analyses of the human trigeminal ganglion, and the researchers believe that the pain signaling pathway is similar in mice and humans.
«We discovered that these proteins activate a group of sensory nerve cell bodies at the base of the skull, known as the trigeminal ganglion, which can be described as a gateway to the peripheral sensory nervous system of the skull,» explained Dr. Martin Kaag Rasmussen from the Center for Translational Neuromedicine at the University of Copenhagen, the study’s lead author.
At the root of the trigeminal ganglion, there is a lack of barrier that typically prevents substances from entering peripheral nerves. This allows proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid to enter and activate sensory nerves signaling pain, leading to the onset of migraine. «Our results suggest that we have identified the primary communication channel between the brain and the peripheral sensory nervous system. This is an unknown signaling pathway that is crucial for the development of migraines and may also be associated with other headache disorders,» added Dr. Maiken Nedergaard, the study’s principal author.
The study provides insight into why migraines are typically one-sided, a mystery that has puzzled scientists until now. The findings open up the possibility of new treatment pathways for patients suffering from migraines. By analyzing the mix of substances released during the «aura» stage of a migraine attack, the researchers identified specific proteins that could serve as targets for future treatments.
Dr. Wilfrid Casseron, a neurologist, supported the study’s results, explaining that migraines involve a series of vascular changes in the brain that ultimately lead to pain. He highlighted the importance of targeting new proteins identified in the study for the development of novel migraine treatments in the future.
Overall, this study represents a significant step forward in understanding the mechanisms behind migraines and offers hope for the development of more effective treatments to provide relief for patients who suffer from this debilitating condition.