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The Link Between Glutamate and Migraine
Ramadan NM
Posted: April 2004  
CNS Spectrums 2003;8:446-449

Migraine pain-relay centers, including the trigeminal ganglion, trigeminal nucleus caudalis, and thalamus, contact glutamate-positive neurons, and glutamate activates the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Glutamate is implicated in cortical spreading depression, trigeminovascular activation and central sensitization. Glutamate receptor subtype antagonists are effective preclinical models of migraine, and in the clinic. These preclinical and clinical observations argue for a strong link between migraine and the glutamaterigic system, a link that is important to further characterize in an effort to better understand migraine mechanisms and deliver effective therapies.