Abstract
This survey consists of an update of information about the pathophysiology of migraine. All the important aspects are described, including cortical spreading depression and the role of Na+, K+, -ATPase transporter activity, the trigeminal vascular system, vasoactive neuropeptides, especially clacitonin gene-related peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, vasodilatation and sterile neurogenic inflammation, the significance of serotonin and nitric oxide, the transmission of pain along the trigeminal pathway, the significance of the brainsterm generator, the role of magnesium and the influence of hormonal factors.
The consequences of a knowledge of pathophysiology on the development of specific antimigraine drugs such as the triptans and gepants is mentioned.