Drug Targets of Migraine and Neuropathy: Treatment of Hyperexcitability

Title:Drug Targets of Migraine and Neuropathy: Treatment of Hyperexcitability

Volume: 14 Issue: 5

Author(s): Laszlo Vecsei, Zsofia Majlath, Anna Balog and Janos Tajti

Affiliation:

Keywords: Allodynia, glutamate, hyperexcitability, migraine, neuropathic pain, sensitization.

Abstract: Migraine and neuropathic pain are common causes of chronic pain. The exact pathomechanism has not been fully clarified for either disorder, but their pathophysiological backgrounds involve several similar mechanisms. Peripheral sensitization occurs in the neuronal elements of the dorsal root ganglion or the trigeminal ganglion, while central sensitization appears in the second-order neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord or the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Central neuronal hyperexcitability has been implicated in both disorders, and the emerging evidence suggests alterations in the glutamatergic neurotransmission and N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor activation. Migraine and neuropathic pain additionally share certain clinical features, such as enhanced sensitivity to sensory stimuli and cutaneous allodynia. The pharmacotherapy of both diseases is often challenging, but several antiepileptic drugs that target hyperexcitability are beneficial for both migraine and neuropathic pain. Kynurenine pathway metabolites are capable of influencing the glutamate receptors, and might therefore be novel candidates for future drug development.

Cite this article as:

Vecsei Laszlo, Majlath Zsofia, Balog Anna and Tajti Janos, Drug Targets of Migraine and Neuropathy: Treatment of Hyperexcitability, CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets 2015; 14 (5) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871527314666150429114040