The role of central sensitization in migraine

Abstract

Central sensitization is caused by alterations in the somatosensory system from high to low threshold pain hypersensitivity and is characterized by severe pain and diffuse pain distribution. It can contribute to pain chronification in several pain–related diseases. In migraine, several studies have suggested association of central sensitization and allodynia, cortical spreading depression and headache chronification. We discuss the role of central sensitization on migraine including our study utilizing Central Sensitization Inventory Japanese version.