Neurológia pre prax 5/2022

Supraspinal and cognitive-affective components in headaches

Supraspinal mechanisms are involved in the patophysiology of the most common craniofacial pain disorders (migraine, tension-type headache, myofascial orofacial pain, idiopathic orofacial pain). These diseases are acquired and multifactorial, their developement involves genetic predisposition, hormonal influences and environmental factors (including the psychosocial stress). The exact neurobiological processes of the development of these diseases have not yet been fully elucidated. However, impairment on the both peripheral and central levels of the somatosensory system and the endogenous dysmodulation of nociceptive activity are involved. The bidirectional relationship between psychosocial stress and pain processing has been well documented. Non-pharmacological treatment targeted on this level might be useful and has proven some efficacy.

Keywords: headache, orofacial pain, migraine, tension‑type headache, sensitisation, stress