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Network localization of regional intrinsic neural activity alterations in migraine and their neurochemical correlates

Yang HC, Bian SJ, Gao XL, Zhang FM, Pan PL, Li WH, Dai ZY, Gu SY

Frontiers in neurology, 2026

1,238 participants

Abstract

Background: Migraine is a prevalent and disabling neurological disorder. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) studies have investigated regional intrinsic neural activity alterations in migraine but have often yielded inconsistent findings. Emerging network perspectives suggest that brain disorders may be better understood through disruptions in large-scale networks.

Methods: This systematic review included 31 rs-fMRI studies (1,238 migraine patients; 1,005 controls; 302 altered ALFF/ReHo coordinates) to clarify these discrepancies. Using functional connectivity network mapping (FCNM) with Human Connectome Project data (n = 1,093), we identified that heterogeneous regional intrinsic neural activity alterations in migraine converge onto common brain functional networks. Spatial relationships between the identified brain networks and the distribution of major neurotransmitter receptors/transporters were subsequently characterized using the Juspace toolbox.

Results: FCNM analysis revealed that heterogeneous regional intrinsic neural activity alterations reported in migraine studies mapped to common brain functional networks, particularly within visual, somatomotor, and attention systems. The FCNM-identified migraine network exhibited significant spatial correlations with normative distributions of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (5-HT2A), and noradrenaline transporter (NAT).

Conclusion: These findings suggest…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,238 participants or records.

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