Borkum’s migraine research featured in Knowridge Science Report
Recent research by University of Maine adjunct associate professor of psychology Jonathan Borkum was the focus of the Knowridge Science Report article, “Migraines may be the brain’s way of dealing with oxidative stress.” According to the article, Borkum’s study highlights a theory about migraines that argues they are an integrated mechanism by which the brain protects and repairs itself. Previous research has suggested that individuals who experience migraines have higher levels of oxidative stress. In his research, Borkum looked closely at the components of a migraine attack. He determined that migraine attacks are not simply triggered by oxidative stress, but that they actively protect and repair the brain from it. Borkum’s theory suggests new directions for finding preventive medications and lifestyles, ones that focus on reducing oxidative stress and increasing the release of growth factors, the article states.