title: Resting-state fMRI functional connectivity: a new perspective to evaluate pain modulation in migraine?
abstract: Resting-state (RS) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a relatively novel tool which explores connectivity between functionally linked, but anatomically separated, brain regions. The use of this technique has allowed the identification, at rest, of the main brain functional networks without requiring subjects to perform specific active tasks. Methodologically, several approaches can be applied for the analysis of RS fMRI, including seed-based, independent component analysis-based and/or cluster-based methods. The most consistently described RS network is the so-called "default mode network". Using RS fMRI, several studies have identified functional connectivity abnormalities in migraine patients, mainly located at the level of the pain-processing network. RS functional connectivity is generally increased in pain-processing network, whereas is decreased in pain modulatory circuits. Significant abnormalities of RS functional connectivity occur also in affective networks, the default mode network and the executive control network. These results provide a strong characterization of migraine as a brain dysfunction affecting intrinsic connectivity of brain networks, possibly reflecting the impact of long lasting pain on brain function.
authors.affiliation: Headache Research Unit, Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy, colombo.bruno@hsr.it.
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Colombo
authors.forename: Maria Assunta
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Rocca
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Messina
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guerrieri
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Filippi
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012146:Rest
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen