Functional neuroimaging in migraine

Background: We have reviewed the results of several functional MRI studies that have highlighted the key role in migraine pathophysiology of the cerebral intrinsic organization and functional networks interconnectivity. Overview: From pain-related and task-independent fMRI study, migraine appears as a complex neurological disorder associated with migraine phase-dependent abnormalities of function of brain networks involved in multisensory information integration and processing, limbic and pain control, and cognitive aspects of pain. Conclusion: Overall, these studies clearly suggest that single brain areas previously implicated in migraine pathophysiology should not be considered as isolated culprits for dysfunction, but as a part of a network of functionally interconnected, mutually influencing, cerebral areas.