Volumetric analysis of pain centers in migraine patients

Authors : Orkhan Mammadkhanli, Kaan Yagmurlu, Sezgin Kehaya, Erdi Şensöz, Ahmet Tolgay Akıncı, Osman Şimşek

Pages : 628-642

Doi:10.31362/patd.1462085

View : 43 | Download : 79

Publication Date : 2024-10-09

Article Type : Research

Abstract :Purpose: To investigate patterns of abnormalities in pain centers among patients with chronic pain, particularly those with migraines. The study aims to explore the potential correlation with pain duration and migraine types, and to propose new interventions for managing chronic pain. Materials and methods: Radiologic data of 32 migraine patients and 28 healthy controls underwent threedimensional iso T1-weighted brain MRI between 2019 and 2023 at our university hospital were examined. Patients with a minimum migraine duration of three years were included and divided into two groups: patients without aura (MwoA group) and patients with aura (MwA group). Additionally, patients were categorized based on the frequency of their migraine attacks, either episodic (EM) or chronic (CM). A control group (Group C) was also established for comparison. Volumetric analysis, including cortical and subcortical pain-related structures, was performed using volBrain software. Results: Significant differences were observed in grey matter (p=0.037), cortical grey matter (p=0.022), cerebrum grey matter (p=0.026), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) (p=0.017), middle cingulate cortex (MCC) (p=0.014), and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) (p=0.008) volumes among the groups. Group comparisons revealed significant differences in the ACC, MCC, and PCC between Groups C and MwoA (p=0.047, p=0.040, and p=0.047, respectively) and PCC between Groups C and MwA (p=0.026), possibly related to aura pathogenesis. Patients without aura exhibited non-significantly thinner postcentral gyrus (p=0.079), suggesting potential cortical involvement. Conclusions: This study provides insights into pain center abnormalities in migraine patients and their potential relevance to pain duration and migraine type.
Keywords : Kronik ağrı, nörogörüntüleme, voksel bazlı morfometri (VBM), auralı migren, ağrı işleme merkezleri