A migraine Headache is a common condition that affects about 15% of the world’s population and is characterized by throbbing pain on one side of the head. Despite its high incidence, the mechanisms behind the condition still puzzle scientists. However, a new study, published on July 4, provides new insights into how brain activity triggers this type of headache.
O studypublished in the scientific journal Science, suggests that a “brain blackout” — characterized by the “switching off” of neuron activity — temporarily alters the cerebrospinal fluid, a clear liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. According to the researchers, this altered fluid “travels” through a previously unknown gap to reach the nerves in the skull, causing pain and inflammation and leading to migraines.
How was the study done?
The aim of the study was to understand how the brain triggers nerves to cause headaches, since the organ itself has no pain receptors. Previous studies on migraines have suggested that headaches occur when molecules in cerebrospinal fluid (the clear, colorless fluid that circulates through the central nervous system) drain into the brain and end up reaching nerves in the meninges, which protect the brain and spinal cord.
The researchers in the current study wanted to understand whether similar leaks could reach the trigeminal nerve, which runs through the face and skull. This nerve relays sensory information between the face and jaw to the brain, and contains pain receptors and inflammatory proteins.
To do this, the researchers used mice with a type of headache called aural migraine, which is characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and numbness. During this type of headache, the brain experiences a “blackout” called “cortical spreading depression,” or CSD.
Scientists analyzed the movement and contents of the mice’s cerebrospinal fluid during the blackout and found that concentrations of some proteins in the fluid dropped by more than half, while levels of other proteins doubled, including a pain-transmitting protein.
The researchers also observed a gap in the protective layers present around the trigeminal ganglion, which allows cerebrospinal fluid to reach the nerves in the face and skull.
According to the study, fluid collected after a blackout episode increased the activity of these nerves, indicating that headaches may be triggered by pain signals sent by these cells. However, fluid collected 2.5 hours after these blackouts did not have the same effect, suggesting that this phenomenon is short-lived.
The study’s findings may help in the development of new treatments for headaches, as they offer clues as to how neurological events can lead to migraines. However, it is worth remembering that the research was conducted on mice and more studies need to be done to confirm the findings in humans.
In interview with NatureGregory Dussor, a neuroscientist at the University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson, said future studies should explore why proteins in spinal fluid that reach nerves in the face result in headaches and no other types of pain. “This is going to raise a lot of interesting questions in the field, and it’s probably going to be the source of a lot of new research projects,” he said.
When could a headache be something more serious? See the warning signs
Source: CNN Brasil
I am an experienced journalist and writer with a career in the news industry. My focus is on covering Top News stories for World Stock Market, where I provide comprehensive analysis and commentary on markets around the world. I have expertise in writing both long-form articles and shorter pieces that deliver timely, relevant updates to readers.
