Migraine news this week: June 11

Catch up on the headlines.

New MRF research

MRF Grantee Dr. Serapio Baca reported he used  brain cells that were genetically modified to react to light (called optogenetics) to study cortical spreading depression, the process thought to underlie migraine aura. His new technique will allow researchers to study CSD and other headache mechanisms non-invasively, and could be useful for screening new migraine drug treatments.

The Migraine Brain in Transition: Girls vs. Boys

Researchers used MRIs to study the brains of young male and female migraine sufferers and were able to see a number of differences between the sexes. These results help us understand the mechanisms underlying migraine--especially childhood migraine--and could lead to improvements in the treatment of migraine in kids.

Pregnancy migraines: how to cope and when to call your doctor

The symptoms and frequency of migraines often change during pregnancy. This article provides information about when migraines in pregnancy can be associated with complications, what's normal, when to call a doctor, and tips for managing triggers during pregnancy.

Duke Researchers Test New Pain Targets

In a very preliminary study, pain researchers investigated new compounds that could potentially block pain, including pain coming from the head and face. If this promising research works out, these compounds could become new agents treating pain, itch, and inflammation.