Trigeminovascular system

Trigeminovascular system is a complex network of nerves and blood vessels in the brain. It is believed to play a key role in the pathophysiology of migraine and cluster headache.

Etymology

The term "trigeminovascular" is derived from "trigemino-", referring to the trigeminal nerve, and "-vascular", referring to the blood vessels. The trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing.

Anatomy

The trigeminovascular system consists of the trigeminal nerve and its associated blood vessels. The trigeminal nerve has three major branches: the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular nerves. These nerves innervate various parts of the face and head, including the blood vessels of the brain.

Function

The trigeminovascular system is involved in the regulation of cerebral blood flow. It is also believed to play a role in the transmission of pain signals in conditions such as migraine and cluster headache. Activation of the trigeminovascular system leads to the release of various neuropeptides, which can cause inflammation and dilation of the blood vessels, leading to pain.

Clinical significance

The trigeminovascular system is a major focus of research in the field of headache disorders. Drugs that target the trigeminovascular system, such as triptans and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists, are used in the treatment of migraine and cluster headache.

See also

• Trigeminal nerve
• Migraine
• Cluster headache
• Triptans
• Calcitonin gene-related peptide

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