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Review
. 2013 Jun;26(3):248-53.
doi: 10.1097/WCO.0b013e328360edb1.

Multisensory integration in migraine

Todd J Schwedt  1
Affiliations
Review

Multisensory integration in migraine

Todd J Schwedt. Curr Opin Neurol. 2013 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Migraine attacks consist of head pain and hypersensitivities to somatosensory, visual, auditory, and olfactory stimuli. Investigating how the migraine brain simultaneously processes and responds to multiple incoming stimuli may yield insights into migraine pathophysiology and migraine symptoms.

Recent findings: The presence and intensity of hypersensitivity to one stimulus type are positively associated with the presence and intensity of hypersensitivities to other stimuli and to headache intensity. Furthermore, exposure to visual, auditory, and olfactory stimuli can trigger migraine attacks. These relationships suggest a role for multisensory integration in migraine.

Summary: Multisensory integration of somatosensory, visual, auditory, and olfactory stimuli by the migraine brain may be an important concept for understanding migraine.

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Conflict of interest statement

Potential Conflicts of Interest: Dr. Schwedt receives research funding from the NIH, American Headache Society and National Headache Foundation. Dr. Schwedt has received compensation for consulting and/or speaking from Merck, Pfizer, Levadex, MAP, Allergan, Zogenix.

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