Peter Goadsby, a leading neurologist and professor at King's College London, sheds light on the complexities of migraines, which affect over a billion people, predominantly women. He discusses the historical biases surrounding migraine perceptions and the urgent need for biological understanding. Goadsby shares insights on the innovative treatments emerging from his research, including monoclonal medications and the role of neuropeptides. His journey in medicine, from politics to pioneering migraine research, culminates in receiving the prestigious Brain Prize.
Peter Goadsby's pioneering research has fundamentally changed the understanding of migraine mechanisms, leading to more effective treatment options for patients.
New treatments targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) represent significant advancements in alleviating both migraine attacks and preventing future occurrences.
Deep dives
Understanding Migraine as a Neurological Disorder
Migraine is a complex neurological condition that affects approximately one billion people globally. It involves abnormal brain function, leading to heightened sensitivity to light, sound, and even smell. The phenomenon known as 'migraine aura' affects around 20 to 30% of sufferers, presenting visual disturbances that signal an impending migraine. The condition is believed to have a genetic component, with hereditary factors influencing who may be prone to experiencing migraines, particularly evident among adult females.
Historical Misunderstanding and Recent Advances
Historically, migraine was overlooked and dismissed within the medical community, often attributed to psychological factors, particularly in women, and linked to menstrual cycles and anxiety. This lack of understanding impeded progress in developing effective treatments until significant biological insights emerged. Research has since shifted focus from merely constricting blood vessels, a previously accepted theory, to comprehensively exploring the role of nerves and the trigeminal nerve in the migraine mechanism. The discovery of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) as a key player in migraine attacks has paved the way for innovative treatments and a deeper understanding of this condition.
Innovative Treatments Transforming Lives
Recent developments in migraine treatment include the introduction of G-Pants and monoclonal antibodies, which target CGRP and significantly improve patients' quality of life. These treatments not only address acute attacks but also prevent future occurrences, representing a breakthrough for many sufferers. While triptans have been effective for some, their limitations showcased the need for ongoing research and better understanding of migraine biology. The ability to provide targeted therapies marks a promising advancement in the field, fostering hope for chronic migraine sufferers seeking relief and a better quality of life.
Throbbing head, nausea, dizziness, disturbed vision – just some of the disabling symptoms that can strike during a migraine attack. This neurological condition is far more common than you might think, affecting more people than diabetes, epilepsy and asthma combined.
While medications, to help relieve the symptoms of migraine, have been around for some time, they haven’t worked for everyone. And what happens in the brain during a migraine attack was, until recently, poorly understood.
Peter Goadsby is Professor of Neurology at King's College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and is a true pioneer in the field of migraine.
Over the course of his career, he has unravelled what happens in the brain during a migraine attack and his insights are already benefiting patients - in the form of new medications that can not only treat a migraine, but also prevent it from occurring.
Peter shares this year’s Brain Prize, the world's largest prize for brain research, with three other internationally renowned scientists in the field.
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