Intact blood−brain barrier during spontaneous attacks of migraine without aura: a 3T DCE‐MRI study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been questioned in migraine, but BBB permeability has never been investigated during spontaneous migraine attacks. In the present study, BBB permeability during spontaneous attacks of migraine without aura was investigated compared to an interictal state. METHODS: (permeability) values between the attack and headache-free days. RESULTS: Nineteen patients completed the study. Median time from onset of migraine attack to scan was 6.5 h (range 4.0-15.5 h). No change in the mean BBB permeability (ml/100 g/min) was found between the attack and the headache-free days in any of the measured ROIs. No relationship between the pain side or intensity and BBB permeability was found in 15 patients with unilateral pain during the examined attack. CONCLUSIONS: It was demonstrated that the BBB permeability during spontaneous migraine attacks without aura was unchanged.