Marucco E, Lisicki M, Magis D. Electrophysiological Characteristics of the Migraine Brain: Current Knowledge and Perspectives.
Curr Med Chem 2018;
26:6222-6235. [PMID:
29956611 DOI:
10.2174/0929867325666180627130811]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Despite pain being its most prominent feature, migraine is primarily a disorder of sensory processing. Electrophysiology-based research in the field has consistently developed over the last fifty years.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the current knowledge on the electrophysiological characteristics of the migraine brain, and discuss perspectives.
METHODS
We critically reviewed the literature on the topic to present and discuss articles selected on the basis of their significance and/or novelty.
RESULTS
Physiologic fluctuations within time, between-subject differences, and methodological issues account as major limitations of electrophysiological research in migraine. Nonetheless, several abnormalities revealed through different approaches have been described in the literature. Altogether, these results are compatible with an abnormal state of sensory processing.
PERSPECTIVES
The greatest contribution of electrophysiological testing in the future will most probably be the characterization of sub-groups of migraine patients sharing specific electrophysiological traits. This should serve as strategy towards personalized migraine treatment. Incorporation of novel methods of analysis would be worthwhile.
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