ABSTRACT

Migraine is common and prostrating, yet its pathophysiology remains poorly understood. The aura is associated with intracranial vasoconstriction and localized cerebral ischaemia. Shortly after this, the extracranial vessels dilate and pulsate in association with local tenderness and the classical unilateral headache, although it is unclear whether this or a neuronal abnormality (‘spreading cortical depression’) is the cause of the symptoms.