Migraine sufferers’ brains have ‘structural differences’

It is not clear how the differences in the brains of migraine sufferers are caused, or what impact the changes have, but Danish researchers have reviewed 20 separate studies to show that the differences definitely do exist.

Their analysis, published in the journal Neurology, showed changes in the brain’s white matter, including tiny lesions. Experts said more research was needed to explore what the differences meant for understanding migraine or looking at whether the changes lead to any kind of permanent damage.

We do not have a cure for migraine, and it is such a debilitating condition. Joanna Hamilton-Colclough, Migraine Action

Dr Messoud Ashina, from the University of Copenhagen, said: “We hope that through more study, we can clarify the association of brain structure changes to attack frequency and length of the disease. We also want to find out how these lesions may influence brain function.”

The changes in the brain were more likely in sufferers of what is called “migraine with aura” – people who experience flashing lights when the migraine begins. Migraine sufferers can experience many different kinds of symptoms, but the condition is most typically described as a fiercely painful headache, often with nausea or affected vision.

No cure for migraine

Joanna Hamilton-Colclough, director at Migraine Action, told Channel 4 News that, although research on this topic had been around for some time, it was good to see progress.

“We do not have a cure for migraine, and it is such a debilitating condition,” she said.

“The World Health Organisation has listed migraine as one of the top 20 debilitating conditions. And yet it’s the least publicly funded of all neurological illnesses.”

While the research is at a very early stage in terms of helping to find treatment or a cure, she said it was an important step:

“The fact that 20 or so studies show the brain is different in people with migraines is extremely important,”

“I don’t think patients should be concerned, but instead be reassured that the research supports the fact that migraine brains are different, and if we can prove that we can start to develop treatments to ensure migraine brains are treated.”