Speakers
Gisela Terwindt
MD, PhD
Professional affiliation:
Consultant neurologist-biologis and Director, Department Of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC)
Country: The Netherlands
Title of talk: Visual Pathways in Migraine: Biomarkers, Mechanisms, and Clinical Implications.
Talk abstract:
Migraine is increasingly viewed as a neurovascular disorder with strong sensory involvement, particularly in the visual pathway. Advances in retinal and corneal imaging show that microvascular dysfunction and small-fiber pathology extend beyond the brain, providing objective biomarkers for migraine and related vascular disorders. Recent studies support a model in which migraine arises from a dynamic interaction between cortical hyperexcitability, peripheral trigeminal sensitization, and vascular dysfunction. The visual system functions both as a window into brain processes and as a driver of symptoms. Retinal and corneal imaging, alongside functional and symptom-based tools, offer promising biomarkers, while structured clinical assessment remains essential for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.