The missing link: Enhanced functional connectivity between amygdala and visceroceptive cortex in migraine

• DOI: 10.1177/0333102413490344
• Publication Date: 2013-05-30T04:38:29Z
• Authors: Nouchine Hadjikhani; Noreen Ward; Jasmine Boshyan; Vitaly Napadow; Yumi Maeda; Andrea Truini; Francesca Caramia; Emanuele Tinelli; Caterina Mainero
• Keywords: Cortical Spreading Depression

Background Migraine is a neurovascular disorder in which altered functional connectivity between pain-modulating circuits and the limbic system may play role. Cortical spreading depression (CSD), underlies migraine aura (MWA), induces C-fos expression amygdala. The role of CSD amygdala without (MwoA) less clear differentiate from other chronic pain disorders. Methods Using resting-state MRI, we compared cortex MWA MWoA patients as well healthy subjects two conditions not associated with CSD: trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Results Amygdala both was increased to visceroceptive insula relative all groups examined. Conclusion observed within limbic/viscerosensory network, present only migraineurs, adds evidence neurolimbic network dysfunction reflect repetitive episodes leading development pain.