Migraine and magnetic resonance spectroscopy: a systematic review

Purpose of review To present an updated and streamlined overview of the metabolic and biochemical aspect of the migraine pathophysiology based on findings from phosphorous (P-31) and hydrogen (H-1) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) studies. Recent findings Despite of the variation in the methodology and quality of the MRS migraine studies over time, some results were consistent and reproducible. P-31-MRS studies suggested reduced availability of neuronal energy and implied a mitochondrial dysfunction in the migraine brain. H-1-MRS studies reported interictal abnormalities in the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), suggesting persistent altered excitability in migraine patients. N-Acetylaspartate levels were decreased in migraine, probably due to a mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal energy metabolism. The reported abnormalities may increase the susceptibility of migraine patients to excitatory stimulation, such as migraine attack triggers. Summary Several biochemical aspects of the migraine pathophysiology remain to be elucidated using MRS, such as the migraine attack, correlation to disease severity, and medication efficacy. Nevertheless, to identify a biomarker in migraine, MRS may be a valuable noninvasive technique.