The role of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus in the neurobiology of migraine

Pécsi Tudományegyetem

Gyógyszertudomány Doktori Iskola

Gasznerné Kormos Viktória

elméleti orvostudományok

Ten percent of the population suffers from migraine. It is three times more common in women than in men. Migraine headaches are typically recurrent, throbbing, unilateral, and seizure-like. Nausea, vomiting, photosensitivity may be the accompanying symptoms. The exact pathomechanism of migraine is still not fully understood, but triggering factors include hormonal changes, stress exposure, disturbances of the daily rhythm affecting sleep, and certain weather conditions. Interestingly, the recruitment of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EW) by stress adaptation response, circadian rhythm, and estrus cycle is known. In addition, a number of neurotransmitters are found in EW that are also involved in the pathophysiology of migraine. As migraine attacks deteriorate the quality life considerably, our main goal here is to gain deeper insight into the underlying brain areas to identify new potential therapeutical targets.

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PTE ÁOK

2025-05-16