Migraine and the microbiota. Can probiotics be beneficial in its prevention? - a narrative review

Pharmacol Rep. 2024 Apr;76(2):251-262. doi: 10.1007/s43440-024-00584-7. Epub 2024 Mar 19.

Abstract

Migraine is a recurrent disease of the central nervous system that affects an increasing number of people worldwide causing a continuous increase in the costs of treatment. The mechanisms underlying migraine are still unclear but recent reports show that people with migraine may have an altered composition of the intestinal microbiota. It is well established that the gut-brain axis is involved in many neurological diseases, and probiotic supplementation may be an interesting treatment option for these conditions. This review collects data on the gastrointestinal and oral microbiota in people suffering from migraine and the use of probiotics as a novel therapeutic approach in its treatment.

Keywords: Gut-microbiota-brain axis; Immunomodulation; Microbiota; Migraine; Probiotics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Central Nervous System
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Migraine Disorders* / drug therapy
  • Migraine Disorders* / prevention & control
  • Nervous System Diseases*
  • Probiotics* / therapeutic use