Central neurogenic mechanisms of migraine.

Abstract

Evidence obtained from clinical studies, magnetoencephalography, and 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy indicates that spreading depression is the underlying basis of migraine aura. Magnetoencephalographic and 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopic evidence also exists to explain interictal central neuronal hyperexcitability in migraine sufferers. A low intracellular brain magnesium concentration may be the link between the physiologic threshold for migraine and the attack itself.