A new mechanism was discovered in the emergence of migraine with aura 12:41

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that proteins released in the brain during migraine with aura are carried by the cerebrospinal fluid to the trigeminal ganglion (a cluster of nerve cell bodies). This causes pain and possible visual disturbances. Research results published In the journal Science.

According to scientists, in about a quarter of all migraine sufferers, headache attacks are preceded by temporary visual or sensory disturbances called aura. The exact causes of aura have not yet been determined.

To fill this gap in knowledge, researchers conducted an experiment on mice that mimicked human migraines. They discovered that during a migraine, the brain secretes a number of specific proteins. They are carried by the cerebrospinal fluid to the nerves responsible for the sensation of pain.

Specifically, the proteins activate a cluster of sensory nerve cell bodies at the base of the skull known as the trigeminal ganglion, which scientists describe as a “gateway” to the peripheral sensory nervous system in the skull.

There is no barrier at the root of the trigeminal ganglion that normally prevents substances from entering the peripheral nerves. The absence of a barrier allows substances in the cerebrospinal fluid to freely reach and activate the pain sensory nerves, which leads to headaches and aura. The scientists explained that the sensory nervous system, which is part of the peripheral nervous system, is responsible for transmitting information to the brain, such as touch, itch or pain.

The researchers also found that proteins in the brain tend to be transported to elements of the sensory system on one side rather than to the entire intracranial cavity. This observation may explain why many people experience migraine pain that does not involve the entire head.

Earlier scientists defined A new factor in the formation of migraine.