Mind over migraine: brain network may explain why some expect side effects

This study investigates whether changes in a brain network called the default mode network (DMN) are linked to the nocebo effect — experiencing side effects from negative expectations rather than from a treatment itself. Researchers will use functional MRI to scan the brains of 40 adults with migraine before and after a nocebo challenge, where some participants receive a saline infusion or verbal suggestion that they might feel numbness. The goal is to understand why some people are more susceptible to nocebo responses, which could lead to better communication and treatment adherence in migraine care.