Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding why migraines are often one-sided. They found that proteins released during the aura phase of a migraine are carried to pain-signaling nerves via cerebrospinal fluid, revealing a novel communication channel between the brain and the peripheral sensory nervous system.
Key Takeaways
- Protein Pathway: Proteins from the brain activate pain-signaling nerves, causing migraines.
- One-Sided Pain: The new pathway explains why migraines are often one-sided.
- Treatment Potential: Identified proteins could lead to new migraine treatments.
The Discovery
More than 800,000 Danes suffer from migraines, a condition characterized by severe headache on one side of the head. In about a quarter of these patients, the headache is preceded by aura—temporary visual or sensory disturbances that occur 5-60 minutes before the migraine attack.
Until now, the reasons behind the one-sided nature of migraines and the connection between aura and headache were not well understood. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, and Bispebjerg Hospital have conducted a study on mice that sheds light on this mystery. They discovered that proteins released from the brain during a migraine with aura are carried with cerebrospinal fluid to the pain-signaling nerves responsible for headaches.
Mechanism Explained
The study revealed that these proteins activate a group of sensory nerve cell bodies at the base of the skull, known as the trigeminal ganglion. This ganglion acts as a gateway to the peripheral sensory nervous system of the skull. At the root of the trigeminal ganglion, the barrier that usually prevents substances from entering the peripheral nerves is missing. This allows substances in the cerebrospinal fluid to enter and activate pain-signaling sensory nerves, resulting in headaches.
Implications for Treatment
The findings suggest that this newly identified signaling pathway is crucial for the development of migraine headaches and may be associated with other headache disorders as well. The study also offers insights into why migraines are usually one-sided. The researchers found that the substances are not carried to the entire intracranial space but primarily to the sensory system on the same side, causing one-sided headaches.
Future Prospects
Using advanced techniques like mass spectrometry, the researchers analyzed the substances released during the aura stage of a migraine attack. They identified 1,425 proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid, with 11% showing changes in concentration during migraine attacks. Of these, 12 proteins acted as transmitter substances capable of activating sensory nerves.
One of the identified proteins, CGRP, is already associated with migraine and used in existing treatments. However, the researchers also discovered other proteins that may lead to new treatment options. The next step is to identify the protein with the greatest potential for new preventive treatments, especially for patients who do not respond to available CGRP antagonists.
Conclusion
This groundbreaking study provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind migraines with aura and opens up new avenues for treatment. By identifying the proteins involved in this newly discovered pathway, researchers hope to develop more effective therapies for migraine sufferers.
Sources
Pathway for Migraine with Aura Discovered – Neuroscience News
Sources
- Pathway for Migraine with Aura Discovered – Neuroscience News, Neuroscience News.
