Speaker: David M. Niddam

Topic: Spectroscopic imaging in chronic migraine

Date: 2019.11.08 (Fri.)  15:00-17:00 pm

Location: 12F Conference room, Daan Campus, Taipei Medical University

Abstract: 

Migraine, a highly prevalent and disabling brain disorder, is characterized by recurring headaches and a wide range of other neurological symptoms. In a subset of migraine patients, the headache frequency increases gradually to daily or near daily occurrence. It is not clear why some migraine sufferers progress to the chronic form while others do not. In a series of studies, we explored whether chronic migraine is associated with distinct neurochemical changes in key areas of the thalamocortical pathway, a pathway that has been implicated in the chronification process of migraine. We further explored the effect of preventive medication as well as excessive use of acute abortive medication on these neurochemicals. We used magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging of the bilateral medial walls of the brain. This is a novel brain imaging approach in migraine research. With this method, it is possible to examine the spatial distribution of several neurochemicals with a diverse range of brain functions that may be related to migraine pathophysiology. In this talk, I will first go through the basic principles of magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the analysis methods we developed. I will then proceed to explain our recent findings in migraine.