Role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the pathogenesis of migraine attacks.

Neuroanatomic, morphometric, immunocytochemical, neurobiochemical and clinical data support the hypothesis that the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus might be the initial site of migraine attacks. The prodromal phase of a migraine attack could be considered a syndrome of functional suprachiasmatic nucleus insufficiency, and other phases a reactive denervation hypersensitivity with the affection of the visual, nociceptive, antinociceptive and cranial vasomotor system.