Diffusion Tensor Imaging Abnormalities in Migraine

This chapter outlines the major contributions given by diffusion weighted (DW) and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT MRI) to the study of central nervous system involvement in patients with migraine, as well as the role of newer acquisition schemes and postprocessing methods in the assessment of this condition. DW and DT MRI are valuable tools to detect and quantify tissue damage in patients with migraine, both in the course of an acute attack and during the interictal phases. This should, therefore, be the focus of future research. At present, little is known about the pathological features underlying diffusivity changes in these patients. The contribution of newer and more sophisticated methods of acquisition and postprocessing of DT MRI data also needs to be further evaluated in patients with migraine.