cortical spreading depression
Also written as: CSD — cortical spreading depression
A wave of depolarization that propagates across cortical tissue, causing temporary suppression of neural activity and associated with migraine aura.
Full Definition
Cortical spreading depression (CSD) is a slowly propagating wave of depolarization that spreads across the cerebral cortex at 2-6 mm/minute, followed by suppression of neural activity lasting several minutes. During CSD, there is massive release of potassium and glutamate, coupled with influx of sodium, chloride, and water, leading to swelling of neurons and glia. CSD is believed to be the neurobiological basis of migraine aura and can be triggered by various stimuli including mechanical injury, hypoxia, or high potassium concentration. It represents a unique form of neural plasticity that can have both protective and pathological consequences.
Usage
Usage note: Also known as Leão's spreading depression after its discoverer.
In Context
- "Cortical spreading depression was induced in the rat model to study migraine pathophysiology." — Migraine research paper
- "The propagation velocity of cortical spreading depression was measured using intrinsic optical imaging." — Neuroimaging study