Update on animal models of migraine.

Abstract

Migraine is a severe and debilitating disorder of the brain that involves a constellation of neurological symptoms alongside head pain. Its pathophysiology is only beginning to be understood, and is thought to involve activation and sensitization of trigeminovascular nociceptive pathways that innervate the cranial vasculature, and activation of brain stem nuclei. Much of our understanding of migraine pathophysiology stems from research conducted in animal models over the last 30 years, and the development of unique assays in animals that try to model specific aspects of migraine pathophysiology related to particular symptoms. This review will highlight some of the latest findings from these established animal models, as well as discuss the latest in the development of novel approaches in animals to study migraine.