Role of the extracranial arteries in migraine headache: a review.
The pain of the migraine headache is often so debilitating that it severely compromises quality of life. The vascular component of the trigeminovascular system has been implicated in the pain mechanism. There is, however, debate as to whether the pain originates in the intracranial or extracranial vasculature or in both. In this article, evidence is presented to suggest that the extracranial arteries are the source of the pain in some migraine sufferers.
Shevel
Elliot
E
Johannesburg Branch, Headache Clinics International, Suite 256, P. Bag X2600, Houghton 2041, South Africa. drshevel@headclin.com
Spierings
Egilius H
EH
D002342:Carotid Artery, External / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009777:Occipital Bone / Q000098:blood supply; D012886:Skull / Q000098:blood supply*; D013699:Temporal Arteries / Q000503:physiopathology