The minicolumnopathy of autism: A link between migraine and gastrointestinal symptoms

Abstract

Gastrointestinal symptoms are common medical problems among autistic patients. A leaky gut and viruses have been proposed as possible culprits but evidence for these etiological agents remains elusive. In this article, we put forward an alternate etiology: abdominal migraines. Recent postmortem studies in autism indicate the presence of a minicolumnopathy and its relationship to both serotonergic abnormalities and a hyperexcitable cortex. These features of phenomenology are also observed in miganeurs. A putative relationship between autism and migraine is further suggested by similarities in clinical histories and laboratory evidence. Some commonalities include the presence of neuroinflammation, sensory overstimulation (e.g., flickering of fluorescent lights), "food allergies", benefits from similar diets, and the role of nitric oxide. Abdominal migraine therefore stands as a falsifiable hypothesis with added importance accrued to potential therapeutic interventions.

Interoception in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A review

“…Additionally, the co‐morbid presence of physical conditions associated with a higher incidence of pain or discomfort in people with ASD is remarkable. Autism has been associated with gastrointestinal symptoms (Mazurek et al, 2013), low muscle tone and joint hypermobility (Sinibaldi et al, 2015), migraines (Casanova, 2008), Chiari malformation (Jayarao et al, 2015), Ehlers Danlos syndrome (Baeza‐Velasco et al, 2015), tuberous sclerosis (Curatolo et al, 2015; Millan, 2013; Seri et al, 1999), and even seizure disorders (Silver and Rapin, 2012). At this point the potential relationship between interoceptive disturbances and social‐communication symptoms of ASD is poorly understood.…”

Research Issues Involving the Biology of Autism

“…Другие сопутствующие медицинские патологии, часто связанные с аутизмом, включают эпилептические приступы [20], проблемы со сном [30] и сильные головные боли или мигрени [7].…”

“…Researchers studying the microbiome have reported a lack of diversity in bacteria strains (Krajmalnik-Brown et al, 2015); an increase in harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium (Finegold et al, 2002); and a deficiency in certain digestive enzymes, such as lactase (Kushak et al, 2011).It is interesting to note that clinicians often suspect that GI problems are due to non-nutritious, self-restricted diets (Tharner et al, 2014). Insufficient water consumption has also been suggested as a reason for the high rate of constipation in individuals with ASD(Barnhill & Winter, 2016).Other medical comorbidities often associated with autism include seizures(Frye et al, 2016), sleep problems(Katz et al, 2018) and severe headaches or migraines(Casanova, 2008).…”

Quality of Life and Physical Well-Being in People with ASDs

“…The high frequency of gastrointestinal problems in persons with autism has made this the focus of a number of studies investigating the aetiology of the disorder. Cassanova (2008) looked for connections between gastrointestinal symptoms and failures in neuronal architecture, in particular, minicolumnar disturbance. Kimberly et al, (2009) carried out a comprehensive review of studies investigating the association between autism and viral infections (Rubella, Toxoplasma gondii, Varicella, etc.…”