Massimo Filippi1,2, Maria Assunta Rocca1,2, Paola Valsasina1, Bruno Colombo1,2, Andrea Falini3,4, Martina Absinta1, Giancarlo Comi2
1Neuroimaging Research Unit, Scientific Institute Hospital San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; 2Department of Neurology, Scientific Institute Hospital San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; 3CERMAC, Scientific Institute Hospital San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; 4Department of Neuroradiology, Scientific Institute Hospital San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
Aim of this study was to investigate abnormalities of brain resting state networks (RSN) in patients with chronic cluster headache (CH), outside of the attack phase, in comparison with healthy individuals. Sixteen relevant RSN were detected and significant decrease in the average percentage signal change of RS fluctuations were found in CH patients, compared to controls, for the sensorimotor network, the primary visual network and the secondary visual network. These findings suggest a diffuse dysfunction of functional connectivity which extends beyond the antinoceptive system in CH patients.