Current concepts of the pathophysiology of migraine

Migraine is a common and debilitating disorder. The relatively recent characterization of the anatomy and physiology of the pain-sensitive innervation of the cranium provides a framework with which to understand the manifestations of migraine and treatment. This article reviews the pathophysiology of migraine from a clinical standpoint, emphasizing features that are seen or may be integrated into clinical practice. Some discussion of treatment options is included in a setting of clarifying relationships between drug action and migraine pathophysiology.