Lasting Effects of Migraines

type="text/javascript">The team of neuroscientists, led by Maiken
A recent study reveals that migraines act as miniNedergaard, utilized two newly developed imaging
strokes that can have a lasting impact on thetechniques to understand the energy allocation
brain.process that affects the brain during a migraine.
Scientists at the University of Rochester in NewThe underlying phenomenon known as "cortical
York and a team at the Danish pharmaceuticalspreading depression" disrupts the delicate
group Novo Noridsk have conducted studies thatchemical balance in the brain and requires a huge
suggesst Migraines may have a lasting effect onamount of energy to restore. So while some
the brain. Based on studies with mice, theseparts of the brain are getting increased blood flow
scientists discovered that during a migraine, brainand oxygen, other parts are being deprived of
cells underwent change in the cortical spreadingoxygen, also known as hypoxia. The end result is
depression process that is similar to that of adeterioration in the signaling structures of brain
stroke or head trauma. This left parts of the braincells, similar to a mini stroke or severe head
starved for oxygen and altered in damaging ways.injury.