MRI May Define Two Distinct Migraine Phenotypes
Patients with greater migraine burden showed widespread connectivity changes and lower cortical volume.
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By
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Andrea Surnit
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May 21, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: MRI May Define Two Distinct Migraine Phenotypes
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Migraine |
| Key Mechanisms | Cortical thickness, cortical volume, subcortical volume, functional connectivity |
| Target Population | Patients with chronic and episodic migraine |
| Care Setting | Neurology |
Key Highlights
- Two migraine clusters identified: M1f + s and M2f + s
- Increased connectivity in M2f + s between various brain networks
- Structural differences observed in cortical volumes between clusters
- Functional connectivity significantly contributes to subgroup differentiation
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Classify migraine according to International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition
Management
- Consider imaging-derived subgrouping for tailored treatment approaches
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Assess migraine frequency and intensity, along with disability measures
Risks
- Higher rates of medication overuse headache, aura, prodrome, and allodynia in M2f + s cluster
Patient & Prescribing Data
111 patients with migraine and 51 controls
Preventive medication use not systematically recorded
Clinical Best Practices
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