A newly discovered communication pathway between the brain and the trigeminal ganglion, a nerve hub linked to migraines, could provide a new target for stopping migraine pain.
This pathway allows cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to carry signaling molecules directly to the trigeminal ganglion, bypassing slower routes. Researchers found that CSF from one brain hemisphere primarily affects the trigeminal ganglion on the same side, explaining why migraines are often one-sided. After an aura, CSF contains molecules that activate trigeminal ganglion nerves, driving immediate headache pain.
Identifying this pathway may lead to new migraine treatments for patients who don’t respond to current therapies.