The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System in Headache: Biomarkers and Treatment

Abstract

Purpose of Review: In this review, the role of the autonomic nervous system in tension-type headache and migraine is reviewed. Recent Findings: A pathophysiological model for tension-type headache is proposed that is compatible with most physiological and behavioral literature. Summary: A treatment protocol is described that follows from this model. For migraine, incorporating autonomic factors into the pathophysiology offers rationales for behavioral interventions that have been shown to be useful in migraine treatment and a biofeedback protocol is proposed.