Source of pain and primitive dysfunction in migraine: an identical site?. Issue 12 (December 1989)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bonuso, S; Marano, E; di Stasio, E; Sorge, F; Barbieri, F; Ullucci, E A
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 52:Issue 12(1989)
• Page Start: 1351
• Page End: 1354
• Publication Date: 1989-12
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.52.12.1351
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Twenty common migraine patients received a one sided frontotemporal application of nitroglycerin (10 patients) or placebo ointment (10 patients) in a double blind study. Early onset migraine attacks were induced by nitroglycerin in seven out of 10 patients versus no patient in the placebo group. Subsequently 20 migraine patients, who developed an early onset attack with frontotemporal nitroglycerin, received the drug in a second induction test at other body areas. No early onset migraine was observed. Thus the migraine-inducing effect of nitroglycerin seems to depend on direct stimulation of the habitual site of pain, suggesting that the frontotemporal region is of crucial importance in the development of a migraine crisis. This is not consistent with a CNS origin of migraine attack.