Could Biomarkers Improve Migraine Diagnosis?
You are currently watching a preview of this interview. Unlock the full version by upgrading to an Access Pass bundle! Get FREE access to 8 expert interviews from Day 1 and Day 2 when you register today!
Key Questions
- What is a biomarker?
- How can biomarkers be identified and what possible biomarkers for migraine have been identified?
- Are CGRP-mediated attacks linked to specific types of migraine?
- What other diseases have biomarkers?
- How does neuroimaging contribute to our understanding of migraine biomarkers and chronic vs episodic migraine?
- Is the gray matter in chronic migraine patients shrinking?
- Are chronic migraine patients more vulnerable to other nonmigraine-related pain?
- Are changes in the brain caused by chronic migraine reversible?
- How far off are we from having medications based on pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and its role in migraine?
- Are there other possible migraine biomarkers other than CGRP and PACAP?
- How do epigenetics play a role in migraine and biomarkers?
- How close are we to developing a biomarker capable of diagnosing migraine, identifying specific migraine types, and guiding personalized treatment choices?
- Do biomarkers reduce stigma around migraine?
Interview Notes
- Study: “How does the brain change in chronic migraine? Developing disease biomarkers”
- Study: “Biomarkers of migraine: An integrated evaluation of preclinical and clinical findings”
- midolordeabceza.org
Treatments Mentioned
- Almotriptan
- Analgesics
- Anti-inflammatories
- Anti-nausea medication
- Benzodiazepines
- CGRP small-molecule receptor antagonists (gepants)
- Ditans (selective 5HT1F receptor agonists)
- Eletriptan
- Frovatriptan
- Hormonal contraceptives
- Lasmiditan (Reyvow)
- Naproxen
- Naratriptan
- Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT, Vydrua)
- Rizatriptan
- Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Sumatriptan
- Sumatriptan and naproxen sodium (Treximet)
- Triptans
- Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy)
- Zavegepant (Zavzpret)
- Zolmitriptan
Please note: The Migraine World Summit’s aim is to bring you a variety of perspectives and expertise, independent of bias or judgment. Alternative theories presented in this video have not been medically reviewed. Views expressed in this interview do not necessarily represent the views of the Migraine World Summit. Please always consult your health care professional and do your own research before making changes to your treatment plan.
Patricia Pozo-Rosich, MD, PhD
Head of the Neurology Department
Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Institute of Research
Patricia Pozo-Rosich, MD, PhD, is a neurologist and one of Europe’s leading migraine experts. She leads the Neurology Department at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona and directs the Migraine Adaptive Brain Center, a national reference center focused on advancing migraine research and care. She also heads the Headache Research Laboratory at the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR) and serves as president-elect of the International Headache Society.
Dr. Pozo-Rosich is deeply committed to helping people understand migraine as a complex neurological disorder and improving access to effective treatment. She founded the Spanish-language education site MiDolordeCabeza.org and has authored more than 250 scientific publications. Her work has received multiple national awards, and she serves as associate editor for leading headache journals. She has been principal investigator in more than 100 clinical trials and is an active member of international headache genetics consortiums.
Interviews from Patricia Pozo-Rosich, MD, PhD
European Headache Treatment Update
Navigating COVID with Migraine in Europe
How Pain Works in the Migraine Brain
How to Get the Most from Your Doctor
Solving the Puzzle of What’s Causing Migraines
Pre-purchase full access to the entire 2026 Summit, including:
- Every 2026 expert interview, fully unlocked
- Built for real life with migraine
- A trusted reference you can come back to for years
- And more!
Related Talks for: Day 7 (2024)
Inflammation & Chronic Migraine
Gretchen E. Tietjen, MD
Brain-Related Comorbidities of Migraine
Dawn C. Buse, PhD
Migraine & Headache Australia is the only organization in Australia that has supported the more than 5 million Australians affected by headache and migraine for 20 years. Migraine & Headache Australia is a division of the Brain Foundation.
Migraine Buddy is the #1 headache and migraine tracking application. Recommended by the best neurologists in the world, we empower our users to learn and communicate about their condition. Our community of 2.8 million contribute to migraine awareness and research.
Don't lose hope if you think you've tried everything. Updated annually based on 300+ treatments mentioned by MWS experts, The Treatment Directory features 300+ treatments, therapies, devices, procedures, sand trategies to treat migraine. Only available with the VIP All-Access Pass. Learn more on the order page.
