Cerebellar involvement in migraine

Abstract

Background Although there is a great wealth of knowledge about the neurobiological processes underlying migraine and its accompanying symptoms, the mechanisms by which an attack starts remain elusive, and the disease remains undertreated. Although the vast majority of literature focuses on the involvement of the trigeminovascular systems and higher systems it innervates, such as thalamic and hypothalamic nuclei, several lines of evidence implicate the cerebellum in the pathophysiology of migraine. Aim In this review, we aim to summarize potential cerebellar involvement seen from different perspectives including the results from imaging studies, cerebellar connectivity to migraine-related brain structures, comorbidity with disorders implying cerebellar dysfunction, similarities in triggers precipitating both such disorders, and migraine and cerebellar expression of migraine-related genes and neuropeptides. We aim to inspire an increase in interest for future research on the subject. Conclusion It is hoped that future studies can provide an answer as to how the cerebellum may be involved and whether treatment options specifically targeting the cerebellum could provide alleviation of this disorder.