Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim is to provide an overview of recent studies of structural brain abnormalities in migraine and to discuss the potential clinical significance of their findings.
RECENT FINDINGS: Brain structure continues to be a topic of extensive research in migraine. Despite advances in neuroimaging techniques, it is not yet clear if migraine is associated with grey matter changes. Recent large population-based studies sustain the notion of increased prevalence of white matter abnormalities in migraine, and possibly of silent infarct-like lesions. The clinical relevance of this association is not clear. Structural changes are not related to cognitive decline, but a link to an increased risk of stroke, especially in patients with aura, cannot be ruled out.
SUMMARY: Migraine may be a risk factor for structural changes in the brain. It is not yet clear how factors such as migraine sub-type, attack frequency, and sex affects this association. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to address these issues. Brain structure changes in migraine could potentially serve as disease biomarkers or as a mean of identifying sub-groups of patients with specific therapeutic needs and prognoses.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Current Opinion in Neurology |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Pages (from-to) | 309-314 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| ISSN | 1350-7540 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2014 |
Keywords
- Brain
- Brain Infarction
- Gray Matter
- Humans
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Migraine Disorders
- White Matter