Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Migraine, a result of increased CSF pressure: A new pathophysiological concept (preliminary report)

  • Intracranial pressure
  • Published:
Neurosurgical Review Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Clinical and neuroradiological evaluation of 40 adult patients, suffering from migraine-type headache, produced evidence of a relationship between migraine, increased CSF pressure in the posterior fossa and cerebellar herniation. These findings have led to an alternative pathophysiological concept of migraine. A disturbance of CSF circulation is thought to be the underlying factor, which causes increased pressure in the basal cisterns and posterior fossa. This results in headache, acquired cerebellar herniation and, in severe cases, spasm of the vertebral arteries with subsequent cerebral ischemia. There seems to be no essential difference in pathophysiology between common and classic migraine.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Ausman, J. I., L. A. French, A. B. Baker: Intracranial neoplasms. In: A. B. Baker, L. H. Baker (eds.): Clinical Neurology, vol 2, pp. 1–97. Harper and Row, Philadelphia 1983

    Google Scholar 

  2. Cohen, L.: Tumors in the region of the foramen magnum. In: P. J. Vinken, G. W. Bruyn (eds.): Handbook of Clinical Neurology, vol 17: Tumours of the brain and skull, pp. 719–730. North-Holland Publishing Company, Amsterdam 1974

    Google Scholar 

  3. Critchley, M., A. P. Friedman, S. Gorini, F. Sicuteri (eds.): Headache, physiopathological and clinical concepts. Advances in Neurology, vol 33. Raven Press, New York 1982

    Google Scholar 

  4. Graham, J. R., H. G. Wolff: Mechanism of migraine headache and action of ergotamine tartrate. Arch. Neurol. Psychiatry 39 (1938) 737–763

    Google Scholar 

  5. Kits van Waveren, L. E. A.: De misvorming van Arnold-Chiari bij volwassenen. Thesis; Utrecht pp. 1–266. Mondeel Amsterdam, 1975

  6. Olesen, J., B. Larsen, M. Lauritzen: Focal hyperemia followed by spreading oligemia and impaired activation of rCBF in classic migraine. Ann. Neurol. 9 (1981) 344–352

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Olesen, J., P. Tfelt-Hansen, L. Henriksen, B. Larsen: The common migraine attack may not be initiated by cerebral ischaemia. Lancet 2 (1981) 438–440

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Spierings, E. L. H.: The pathophysiology of the migraine attack. Thesis, Rotterdam. Stafleu Alphen aan de Rijn—Brussel 1980

    Google Scholar 

  9. Wolff, H. G.: Headache and other head pain. 2nd. ed. Oxford University Press, New York 1963

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    H. August M. van Alphen

Authors
  1. H. August M. van Alphen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

van Alphen, H.A.M. Migraine, a result of increased CSF pressure: A new pathophysiological concept (preliminary report). Neurosurg. Rev. 9, 121–124 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01743062

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01743062

Keywords

Search

Navigation