The variation of GABA in the anterior cingulate and posterior cingulate cortex of migraineurs during a migraine attack and the interictal stage

Motivation: To investigate the variation of GABA concentrations in the anterior cingulate cortex and posterior cingulate cortex of migraine patients without aura during a migraine attack and the interictal stage. Goal(s): To elucidate the role of GABA in the migraine pathophysiology. Approach: We prospectively enrolled 12 migraineurs and 16 healthy controls and acquired MEGA-PRESS on a 3T MR from voxels located in the ACC and the PCC. Results: Among migraineurs, a significant increase in GABA+ in the PCC during a migraine attack versus the interictal stage(P=0.0023). Measurements in ACC and PCC showed a statistically significant elevation of GABA+ in migraineurs than healthy controls(P=0.0017, P=0.0031). Impact: We speculate that increased GABA levels may reflect a compensating mechanism to reduce a hyperexcitatory state and a protective role for GABA in suppressing headaches. We will probe into the mechanism of GABAergic Drugs for the treatment of migraine.