Our Evolving Understanding of What Causes Migraine
Key Questions
- How is a systemic disease defined, and is migraine considered one?
- What’s happening in the brain and body when a migraine attack occurs?
- What is known about the causes of migraine and its relationship to other conditions (comorbidities)?
- What role do genes and environmental factors play in migraine disease?
- Is there an underlying “root cause” of migraine?
- What is the difference between a cause and a trigger?
- Can treatment of comorbid conditions lead to improvements in migraine symptoms?
- How might a systemic approach to understanding migraine disease influence treatment approaches?
- What are the potential long-term effects of migraine?
- What priorities should guide the next generation of migraine research?
Interview Notes
- American Migraine Foundation
- National Headache Foundation
- Study: “Two-sample Mendelian randomization study of gut microbiota and inflammatory proteins: Predictive, preventive, and personalized treatment for migraine”
- Study: “Causal factors for migraine in Mendelian randomization studies”
- Study: “Risk of migraine in patients with asthma”
Treatments Mentioned
- CGRP monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)
- CGRP small-molecule receptor antagonists (gepants)
- CPAP device
- Steroid nasal sprays
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Disclaimer: The Migraine World Summit aims to bring you a variety of perspectives and expertise, free from 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.
Vince Martin, MD, AQH
Director
Headache & Facial Pain Center
Vincent Martin is the director of the Headache and Facial Pain Center at the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute. He has been a professor of clinical medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine since 2004.
Dr. Martin is immediate past president of the National Headache Foundation and a fellow of the American Headache Society and the American College of Physicians.
Interviews from Vince Martin, MD, FAHS, AQH
The Gut Factor: Exploring the Role of Digestive Health in Migraine
Making the Most Out of Your Doctor’s Appointment
Ehlers-Danlos, Connective Tissue Disorders & Migraine
Migraine Diets and Food Triggers
Surviving Weather-Related Migraine
Go Beyond the Free Summit Interviews
- Full-length expert interviews beyond the 30-minute edits
- Revisit any 2026 session anytime
- Transcripts and audio downloads included
- Review insights before medical appointments
Related Talks for: Day 5 (2026)
Living With Migraine Through Times of Grief & Loss
Dawn C. Buse, PhD
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Jennifer Robblee, MD, MSc
Understanding Migraine Drug Side Effects
Teshamae Monteith, MD, FAHS, FAAN
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