Migraine Visual Aura and Cortical Spreading Depression—Linking Mathematical Models to Empirical Evidence

This review describes the subjective experience of visual aura in migraine, outlines theoretical models this phenomenon, and explores how these may be linked to neurochemical, electrophysiological, psychophysical differences sensory processing that have been reported migraine with aura. Reaction–diffusion used model hallucinations thought arise from cortical spreading depolarisation depression One aim is make underlying principles accessible a general readership. Cortical depends on balance diffusion rate between excitation inhibition occurrence large spike activity initiate spontaneous pattern formation. We experimental evidence, including recordings brain made during attack phase, self-reported triggers studies aura, might relate mechanisms excitability some people susceptible Increased excitability, increased neural noise, fluctuations oscillatory across cycle are all factors likely contribute There remain many outstanding questions relating current limitations both evidence. Nevertheless, reaction–diffusion models, by providing an integrative framework, support generation testable hypotheses guide future research.