Central sensitization in photophobic and non-photophobic migraineurs: Possible role of retino nuclear way in the central sensitization process

Carlo Lovati, C. Mariotti, L. Giani, D. D'Amico, A. Sinelli, F. De Angeli, E. Capiluppi, G. Bussone, C. Mariani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible relationships between the presence of headache- related photophobia and migraine-associated allodynia - a hallmark of central sensitization - among patients with different migraine types. A sample of 456 migraineurs was studied. Our results showed that photophobia was present in a high proportion of patients, with similar figures in patients with episodic migraine or CM, and confirmed that the prevalence of allodynia was higher among CM patients than in those with episodic migraine. We found a clear association between migraine-related allodynia and photophobia only in CM patients. Overall, these findings suggest that light stimulation may contribute to central sensitization of pain pathways in migraineurs, possibly contributing to progression into chronic forms. The possible connections underlying this type of sensitization is offered by the recently published data on a nonimage- forming visual retino-thalamo-cortical pathway which may allow photic signals to converge on a thalamic region which is selectively activated during migraine headache.

Original languageEnglish
JournalNeurological Sciences
Volume34
Issue numberSUPPL. 1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

Keywords

  • Allodynia photophobia
  • Central sensitization
  • Chronic migraine (CM)
  • Episodic migraine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Dermatology
  • Medicine(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Central sensitization in photophobic and non-photophobic migraineurs: Possible role of retino nuclear way in the central sensitization process'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this