Migraine and Cluster Headache - the Common Link

Overview

Journal J Headache Pain

Publisher Biomed Central

Date 2018 Sep 23

PMID 30242519

Citations 27

Authors

Anne Luise Vollesen

Silvia Benemei

Francesca Cortese

Alejandro Labastida-Ramirez

Francesca Marchese

Lanfranco Pellesi

Michele Romoli

Messoud Ashina

Christian Lampl

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Although clinically distinguishable, migraine and cluster headache share prominent features such as unilateral pain, common pharmacological triggers such glyceryl trinitrate, histamine, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and response to triptans and neuromodulation. Recent data also suggest efficacy of anti CGRP monoclonal antibodies in both migraine and cluster headache. While exact mechanisms behind both disorders remain to be fully understood, the trigeminovascular system represents one possible common pathophysiological pathway and network of both disorders. Here, we review past and current literature shedding light on similarities and differences in phenotype, heritability, pathophysiology, imaging findings and treatment options of migraine and cluster headache. A continued focus on their shared pathophysiological pathways may be important in paving future treatment avenues that could benefit both migraine and cluster headache patients.

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