The American Migraine Foundation estimates that 148 million people suffer from chronic migraine worldwide. 

Because of their large and painful impact, migraines have been a focus of research for decades.  

Dr. Paul Durham, a distinguished biology professor at Missouri State University, has been investigating migraine for many years. He was awarded the 2023 Steven B. Graff-Radford Orofacial Pain and Headache Lectureship and presented at the 2023 Scottsdale Headache Symposium in Scottsdale, Arizona, in November.  

“I’m very humbled and honored to receive this award since Dr. Steven B. Graff-Radford was someone who inspired and encouraged me to continue studying both migraine and temporomandibular disorders (TMD),” Durham said. “They’re prevalent, debilitating orofacial pain conditions and there remains a need for improved therapies to reduce their socioeconomic burden.” 

Durham’s lecture 

As an awardee, Durham had the opportunity to present a topic of his choice at the symposium. 

He noted the award was in recognition of his lab and the contributions they have made in understanding migraine, TMD pathology and treatments. He highlighted their focus on non-pharmacological therapies, including the use of nutraceuticals (any substance that is a food or part of a food and provides medical or health benefits) and non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation. 

“I discussed why migraine and TMD are often co-morbid orofacial pain conditions and highlighted our research efforts to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with chronic migraine and TMD,” Durham said. “I also talked about the major risk factors that increase the likelihood of having migraine and TMD, and changes in the auditory system (hearing) during migraine and TMD since they’re a commonly reported most burdensome symptom.” 

The symposium experience 

Durham said the symposium attendees ranged from researchers like himself to clinicians who treat people suffering from migraines and TMD. 

“Since I’m one of the few scientists at this meeting, it was stimulating to hear the thoughts of clinicians,” he said. “Learning from clinicians and other basic scientists will help make our research more relevant and facilitate a ‘bench to bedside translational approach’ to better understand the underlying pathology and identify new therapeutic targets.”   

Durham has a lot of support behind him as a distinguished professor and expert at MSU. 

“This award wouldn’t be possible without all the support I’ve received from MSU and the incredible efforts of our graduate and undergraduate students and the lab’s research scientists,” he said. “I’m grateful to be a Bear.” 

Learn more about Durham’s research