Central Sensitization in Migraine: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Keisuke Suzuki, Shiho Suzuki, Tomohiko Shiina, Saro Kobayashi, Koichi Hirata Department of Neurology, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, JapanCorrespondence: Keisuke Suzuki, Department of Neurology, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 Kitakobayashi, Shimotsuga, Mibu, Tochigi, 321-0293, Japan, Tel [phone], Fax [phone], Email [email protected]: Central sensitization (CS) is an increase in the responsiveness of nociceptive neurons in the central nervous system to their normal afferent input. As a result, even minor irritation can induce severe pain, leading to the chronicity and severity of various diseases, such as neurological disorders. CS is associated with migraine, which is a major neurological disorder that inflicts a high disability in daily life. Specifically, CS is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of cutaneous allodynia as well as chronification of migraine. In this article, we reviewed the association between CS and migraine, including pathophysiological aspects and evidence from clinical studies. We suggest that appropriate screening and management of CS in migraine could further improve the quality of life of migraine patients.Keywords: migraine, central sensitization, cutaneous allodynia, restless legs syndrome

Keywords

• migraine
• central sensitization
• cutaneous allodynia
• restless legs syndrome