Migraine Neurophysiology & Clinical Manifestations Course

Understand the neurophysiology and subtypes of migraines. Learn to assess, differentiate, and manage migraine presentations using clinical neuroscience and functional neurology tools.

Adam Harcourt

Level:

Integrator

Credit Hours:

Price:

1310

(

% off)

1310

Description

This in-depth course explores the neurophysiology and clinical presentation of migraine disorders, equipping healthcare professionals with the foundational tools to assess and manage migraines through a functional neurology lens. Participants will dive into the mechanisms underlying cortical spreading depression, trigeminovascular activation, brainstem dysregulation, metabolic imbalance, and autonomic dysfunction. Clinicians will also learn to differentiate between migraine subtypes, recognize common comorbidities, and assess overlapping neurological disorders that may mimic or complicate migraine care. The course connects evidence-based research with practical clinical strategies to improve diagnosis accuracy and intervention outcomes. Emphasis is placed on integrating neurological assessments, case-based reasoning, and advanced diagnostic insights into everyday practice.

View syllabus

What you’ll learn:

Explain the core neurophysiological mechanisms involved in migraine generation.

Differentiate between migraine with aura, migraine without aura, and chronic migraine.

Identify brainstem, cortical, metabolic, and autonomic factors contributing to migraine symptoms.

Recognize common clinical signs and comorbidities associated with migraines.

Integrate neurological assessment and case-based reasoning into migraine diagnosis and care.

Syllabus

Components

Introduction to Migraine as a Global Neurological Disorder
- Overview of migraine as a leading cause of disability worldwide, including societal, economic, and healthcare burdens. Epidemiology, prevalence, gender differences, and underdiagnosis are reviewed to establish migraine as a major public health issue.
Clinical Definition and Classification of Migraine
- Defines migraine as a neurological disorder rather than a simple headache. Reviews International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) criteria and differentiates episodic versus chronic migraine and related headache disorders.
Natural History and Evolution of Migraine Concepts
- Explores historical and modern theories of migraine pathophysiology, including vascular, neurogenic inflammation, and contemporary neural network–based models emphasizing altered brain excitability and sensory processing.
Clinical Manifestations and Migraine Phases
- Detailed examination of the four migraine phases—premonitory, aura, headache, and postdrome—with emphasis on symptom overlap, progression, and persistence of neurological dysfunction beyond head pain.
Premonitory Phase and Hypothalamic Involvement
- Focuses on early non-pain symptoms such as fatigue, mood change, yawning, and cravings. Reviews imaging evidence implicating hypothalamic and brainstem activation as early drivers of migraine attacks.
Aura and Cortical Spreading Depression
- Examines migraine aura mechanisms, including cortical spreading depression (CSD), visual and sensory phenomena, genetic associations, and the debated relationship between aura and headache initiation.
Headache Phase and Trigeminovascular Activation
- Covers diagnostic features of migraine headache and introduces the trigeminovascular system as the primary nociceptive pathway mediating migraine pain and associated symptoms.
Postdrome and Persistent Neurological Dysfunction
- Explores post-headache symptoms such as cognitive fog, fatigue, and neck stiffness, emphasizing that migraine is a prolonged neurological event rather than an episodic pain disorder.
Cellular Neurophysiology and Neuronal Excitability
- Introduces migraine as a disorder of altered neuronal excitability and sensory gain. Reviews ion channel dysfunction, membrane excitability, and the concept of hypersynchrony within migraine networks.
Ion Channels and Sensory Transduction in Migraine
- Detailed review of ion channels implicated in migraine pathophysiology, including TRP channels (TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPV4, TRPM8), P2X receptors, potassium channels, and genetic mutations affecting excitability.
Neurotransmitters and Neuropeptides
- Explores the role of CGRP, serotonin, glutamate, and other neuromodulators in trigeminovascular activation, sensitization, and migraine progression.
Brainstem, Thalamic, and Hypothalamic Modulation
- Examines central processing of migraine pain, including brainstem nuclei, thalamocortical dysrhythmia, hypothalamic control, and autonomic integration.
Neuroimaging Findings in Migraine
- Reviews structural and functional imaging evidence, including PET, fMRI, DTI, and voxel-based morphometry, highlighting altered connectivity, gray matter changes, and sensory network dysfunction in migraineurs.
Imaging Across Migraine Phases
- Analyzes imaging signatures of the premonitory, aura, headache, and postdromal phases, demonstrating persistent brainstem and hypothalamic activation even after pain resolution.
Trigeminovascular Pathways and Autonomic Reflexes
- Detailed anatomical and functional overview of peripheral afferent pathways, trigeminocervical complex, ascending projections, parasympathetic reflexes, and autonomic features of migraine.
Clinical Implications and Framework for Advanced Management
- Synthesizes neurophysiology, imaging, and clinical presentation to support migraine as a disorder of network dysmodulation, informing advanced diagnostic reasoning and targeted therapeutic strategies.

Live Event Info

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Online

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Also includes

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Months Medline Access

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Months of Access to Complete the course (from the date of purchase)

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Ability to resubscribe to keep access after

months

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Eligibility for Neurology Fellowship and Diplomate Examinations after the completion of 300+ hours of study

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Certificate of Completion