Migraine is a health problem, even a disease, that affects the lives of many people and manifests itself with severe headaches and various symptoms. Scientists from the University of Rochester have taken an important step in the treatment of this disease by solving the mechanism behind migraine. This discovery could lead to the development of new and effective methods of migraine treatment.
How was the mystery of migraine solved and what are the new treatments?
University of Rochester researchers have discovered that migraine pain causes movements in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the brain. This movement leads to the release of certain proteins, which interact with nerves to cause pain. This new finding has led to the discovery of new proteins that could be targeted in migraine treatment.
“In this study, we describe the interaction between the central and peripheral nervous system of increased concentrations of proteins released in the brain during migraine-related spreading depolarization,” said Maiken Nedergaard, co-director of the Center for Translational Neuromedicine at the University of Rochester, who led the study. This discovery opens many new doors to strengthen existing treatments and identify new targets.
Migraine headaches occur after cortical spreading depression caused by the spreading of glutamate and potassium. This process spreads like a wave, affecting the brain’s oxygen levels and blood flow. During a migraine attack, the brain cannot feel pain, but a communication process begins between the brain and peripheral sensory nerves.
The researchers showed that CSF carries these proteins to a large bundle of nerves called the trigeminal ganglion, which collects sensory information from the head and face area. This new finding takes an important step in explaining the cause of pain after migraines.
Nedergaard and his team identified 12 ligand proteins that are released during migraine attacks and bind to nerve receptors. One of these proteins, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), is the target of new drugs currently used to prevent and treat migraines.
As a result, this new research has unraveled the mystery behind migraine, paving the way for new treatment methods. For many people struggling with migraine, this development points to a promising future. Scientists believe that these discoveries could revolutionize migraine treatment.
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