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Semin Neurol 2022; 42(04): 441-448
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1757929
Review Article

Migraine and Posttraumatic Headache: Similarities and Differences in Brain Network Connectivity

Catherine D. Chong 
1   Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona
,
Jennifer Nikolova
2   University of Northern British Columbia, BC, Canada
,
Gina M. Dumkrieger
1   Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona
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Abstract

Posttraumatic headache (PTH) is the most common symptom following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) (also known as concussion). Migraine and PTH have similar phenotypes, and a migraine-like phenotype is common in PTH. The similarities between both headache types are intriguing and challenge a better understanding of the pathophysiological commonalities involved in migraine and PTH due to mTBI. Here, we review the PTH resting-state functional connectivity literature and compare it to migraine to assess overlap and differences in brain network function between both headache types. Migraine and PTH due to mTBI have overlapping and disease-specific widespread alterations of static and dynamic functional networks involved in pain processing as well as dysfunctional network connections between frontal regions and areas of pain modulation and pain inhibition. Although the PTH functional network literature is still limited, there is some evidence that dysregulation of the top-down pain control system underlies both migraine and PTH. However, disease-specific differences in the functional circuitry are observed as well, which may reflect unique differences in brain architecture and pathophysiology underlying both headache disorders.

Keywords

migraine - posttraumatic headache - mild traumatic brain injury - hypothalamus - periaqueductal gray - static and dynamic functional connectivity


Publication History

Article published online:
02 November 2022

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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