Using brain-imaging techniques to analyze and identify imaging biomarkers for concussion, migraine and other headache disorders, Dr. Schwedt's Neuroimaging of Headache Disorders Lab studies how alterations in brain structure or function are related to pain processing. Mapping atypical pain processing

Using brain-imaging techniques to analyze and identify imaging biomarkers for concussion, migraine and other headache disorders, Dr. Schwedt and his team study how alterations in brain structure or function are related to pain processing.

Overview

Image illustrates age-related cortical thinning in patients with migraine.

Age-related cortical thinning is shown in patients with migraine.

The Neuroimaging of Headache Disorders Laboratory of Todd J. Schwedt, M.D., at Mayo Clinic's campus in Phoenix, Arizona, integrates multimodal neuroimaging with patient symptoms to better understand the neurobehavioral complexities of migraine and other headache disorders.

Specifically, the aim is to localize the neural correlates of the pain and associated symptoms of migraine and other headache disorders and to investigate the neuroimaging commonalities and differences among these headache disorders. The laboratory utilizes computational modeling techniques that enable the classification of specific headache disorders based upon structural and functional brain magnetic resonance imaging data.

Major funding

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) approved $7 million in funding for the Neuroimaging of Headache Disorders Lab to study migraine treatment strategies.

Related resources

About Dr. Schwedt

Todd J. Schwedt, M.D., is a neurologist, professor of neurology and chair of Neurology Research at Mayo Clinic's campus in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Schwedt's research focuses on headache, migraine and post-traumatic headache.