| A recent study reveals that migraines act as mini | | | | The underlying phenomenon known as "cortical |
| strokes that can have a lasting impact on the | | | | spreading depression" disrupts the delicate |
| brain. | | | | chemical balance in the brain and requires a huge |
| Scientists at the University of Rochester in New | | | | amount of energy to restore. So while some |
| York and a team at the Danish pharmaceutical | | | | parts of the brain are getting increased blood flow |
| group Novo Noridsk have conducted studies that | | | | and oxygen, other parts are being deprived of |
| suggesst Migraines may have a lasting effect on | | | | oxygen, also known as hypoxia. The end result is |
| the brain. Based on studies with mice, these | | | | deterioration in the signaling structures of brain |
| scientists discovered that during a migraine, brain | | | | cells, similar to a mini stroke or severe head |
| cells underwent change in the cortical spreading | | | | injury. |
| depression process that is similar to that of a | | | | According to Nedergaard, for those who suffer |
| stroke or head trauma. This left parts of the brain | | | | from migraines with aura, the visual disturbance |
| starved for oxygen and altered in damaging ways. | | | | may be indicative that parts of the brain are |
| The team of neuroscientists, led by Maiken | | | | short on oxygen. The results of this study should |
| Nedergaard, utilized two newly developed imaging | | | | alert both patients and doctors to shift emphasis |
| techniques to understand the energy allocation | | | | from treating migraine symptoms to preventing |
| process that affects the brain during a migraine. | | | | their occurrence entirely. |