The Glymphatic System and its Relationship to Migraine

We aim to critically review animal and human studies of the glymphatic system in migraine and propose a model for how the glymphatic system may function in migraine, based on the available evidence.

Early studies in animal models report migraine attacks temporarily disrupt glymphatic flow. Human imaging studies suggest chronic migraine may be associated with alterations in glymphatic system function, albeit with conflicting results.

Presently, it remains unknown whether repetitive migraine attacks or frequent nights of insomnia impair glymphatic system function over time in those with migraine, and whether alterations in glymphatic function could contribute to worsening migraine disability or risk for cognitive disease. Longitudinal studies of glymphatic function in patients with migraine and insomnia, with inclusion of cognitive assessments, may be informative.