Objective: Familial hemiplegic MIGRAINE (FHM) is an autosomal dominantly inherited subtype of MIGRAINE with aura, characterized by transient neurological signs and symptoms. Typical hemiplegic MIGRAINE attacks start in the first or second decade of life. Some patients with FHM suffer from daily recurrent attacks since childhood. Results from extensive studies of cellular and animal models have indicated that gene mutations in FHM increase neuronal excitability and reduce the threshold for spreading depression (SD). SD is a transient wave of profound neuronal and glial depolarization that slowly propagates throughout the brain tissue and is characterized by a high amplitude negative DC shift. After induction of SD, S218L mutant mice exhibited neurological signs highly reminiscent of clinical attacks in FHM type 1 patients carrying this mutation. FHM1 with ataxia is attributable to specific mutations that differ from mutations that cause pure FHM1 and have peculiar consequences on cerebellar Cav2.1 currents that lead to profound Purkinje cell dysfunction and neuronal loss with atrophy. SD in juvenile rats produced neuronal injury and death. Hormonal factors involved in FHM affect SD initiation and propagation. The data identify SD as a possible target of treatment of FHM. In addition, FHM is a useful model to explore the mechanisms of more common types of MIGRAINE.

Background and aims: MIGRAINE is a neurologic disorder with wide global spread. Quality of life (QOL) and dietary factors are important parameters in MIGRAINE management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of mood status, QOL, and dietary intake with MIGRAINE symptoms among women with MIGRAINE. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 143 women with MIGRAINE aged 20–, 40 years who were randomly selected from two clinics in Isfahan, Iran. Data were collected using the Food Frequency Questionnaire for Assessing Dietary Patterns, a visual analogue scale for MIGRAINE headaches, the MIGRAINE-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. The serum level of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was also measured. Results: Participants’,age and number of sleeping hours per 24 hours had significant relationship with MIGRAINE severity, depression and anxiety had significant relationship with MIGRAINE severity and the duration of MIGRAINE attacks, and QOL had significant relationship with MIGRAINE severity and the duration and frequency of MIGRAINE attacks. Daily intake of riboflavin also had significant relationship with frequency of MIGRAINE attacks, while daily intake of water had significant relationship with MIGRAINE severity (P < 0. 05). However, serum level of CGRP had no significant relationship with MIGRAINE (P > 0. 05). The relationships of vitamin D and magnesium intake with depression were also significant (P < 0. 05). Conclusion: Serum level of CGRP has no significant relationship with MIGRAINE attacks, while depression, anxiety, QOL, and magnesium and vitamin D intake have significant relationship with MIGRAINE attacks.