New research on migraine

People with migraine have key differences in the sensory part of the brain, according to new research.

A US study found that part of the cortex area of the brain was on average 21% thicker in people with migraine than in people who do not have the neurological disorder.

The research, published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, also found that repeated migraine attacks could lead to or be the cause of structural changes in the brain.

The scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston said most people suffering from migraines are exposed to long-term overstimulation of the sensory fields in the cortex could explain why people who develop migraines are naturally more sensitive to stimulation.

They added that migraine patients could be hyper-sensitive to pain in general.

“This may explain why people with migraines often also have other pain disorders such as back pain, jaw pain, and other sensory problems,” the researchers said.

[Posted: Thu 22/11/2007]