Migraine and magnetic resonance spectroscopy: a systematic review.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Systematic review of non-randomized observational/imaging studies
PubMed 28240609 · doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000436
What was done
The authors conducted a systematic review synthesizing findings from phosphorus (31P) and hydrogen (1H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) studies investigating metabolic and biochemical aspects of migraine pathophysiology.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values, effect sizes, or participant numbers. Phosphorus MRS studies consistently suggested reduced neuronal energy availability and mitochondrial dysfunction. Hydrogen MRS studies demonstrated decreased N-acetylaspartate levels and interictal abnormalities in the neurotransmitters glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), indicating altered baseline cortical excitability.
Why it matters
This review integrates imaging evidence that impaired mitochondrial energy metabolism and disrupted excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitter balance may predispose migraine patients to attack triggers. It highlights MRS as a viable noninvasive method for biomarker development.
Limits
The abstract provides no quantitative data or details on the number of included studies. Findings are constrained by substantial methodological variation and quality differences across older and newer MRS studies. Biochemical changes during acute attacks, correlations with clinical severity, and treatment response remain uncharacterized.
Cited by
- supports Migraine sufferers have a defect where they produce less ATP and have a brain energy deficit.