At the core of the migraine event is Cortical Spreading Depression (CSD) — a slow-moving wave of depolarization that migrates across the cerebral cortex, followed by a prolonged period of inhibition. This wave is what patients perceive as aura.
When this electrical wave reaches pain receptors in the meninges, it triggers CGRP (Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide) release. CGRP causes blood vessels to swell and sensitizes pain fibers, resulting in that characteristic throbbing pulse.
A healthy brain filters out repetitive environmental data. A migrainous brain, however, lacks sensory habituation. It remains in a state of high alert, processing every light, sound, and smell at maximum intensity — leading to central sensitization over time.
The Relief app correlates your attacks with weather, sleep, food, and more — automatically.
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