Summary: Migraine is a prevalent disorder, affecting 15.1% of the world’s population. In most cases, the migraine attacks are sporadic; however, some individuals experience a gradual increase in attack frequency over time, and up to 2% of the general population develops chronic migraine. The mechanisms underlying this chronicity are unresolved but are hypothesized to involve a degree of inflammation. In this article, the authors review the relevant literature related to inflammation and migraine, from the initiation of attacks to chronification. They propose that the increase in migraine frequency leading to chronic migraine involves neurogenic neuroinflammation, possibly entailing increased expression of cytokines via activation of protein kinases in neurons and glial cells of the trigeminovascular system. Evidence from preclinical research supports this view. The implications for migraine therapy are discussed.
Edvinsson L, Haanes KA and Warfvinge K: Does inflammation have a role in migraine? Nature Reviews Neurology [Epub ahead of print, July 1, 2019: doi: 10.1038/s41582-019-0216-y.]
