What is Migraine?
Migraine is a widespread neurological disease that affects 39 million people in the U.S. and 1 billion worldwide. Almost one in every four U.S. homes is impacted by the disorder. Regrettably, less than 50% of migraine patients achieve adequate relief from currently available therapeutics. Lost productivity costs and healthcare costs resulting from the debilitating pain of migraines are estimated to be as high as $36 billion in the U.S each year.
Types of Migraines
- Migraine with aura
- Migraine without aura
- Chronic migraine
- Abdominal migraine
- Menstrual migraine
- Hemiplegic migraine
- Retinal migraine
- Vestibular migraine
Common Effects of Migraines
- Throbbing pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision or blind spots
- Increased sensitivity to light, noise or odor
Common Migraine Triggers
- Stress
- Bright or flashing lights
- Strong sensations such as loud noises or strong smells
- Tobacco
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Overexertion
- Hormonal changes in women
- Changes in sleep
What We Know About Migraines
Even though migraine is among the most common and disabling disorders worldwide, the underlying mechanisms behind this disease are still poorly understood. Migraine has traditionally been thought of as a vascular disorder, however it has become clear in recent years that maladaptive changes in the nervous system are more likely the primary contributor. There are also non-neuronal cells that could potentially contribute to this process. Certain triggers can activate sensory neurons in the head. These sensory neurons then transmit their signal to the brain, leading to the headache phase of attacks. Migraineurs can feel throbbing pain on one side of the head, or in the neck, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sound and light. Along with the painful symptoms associated with migraine, migraineurs undergo a neural plasticity change that may contribute to a lower threshold for future headaches.
Our Goal to Treat Migraines
Scientists at the Center for Advanced Pain Studies are focused on uncovering the mechanisms that provoke the debilitating symptoms of migraine. Using both in vitro and in vivo studies, our diverse team hopes to better understand the mechanisms that trigger the painful symptoms and discover a cure for all those suffering with migraine.
Our Recent Discoveries
Why is Migraine More Common in Women? One Protein May Hold the Key
In research published online April 8 in The Journal of Neuroscience, a protein implicated in the development of migraine symptoms caused pain responses in female rodents, but not in males, when introduced into the meninges, the protective tissue layers surrounding the brain.