Cortical Spreading Depolarisations

Cortical spreading depolarisations are pathological waves of neuronal and glial depolarisation across the cortex. Mouse research showed that cortical spreading depolarisations rapidly close perivascular spaces around surface and penetrating vessels. Dye movement from cortex into perivascular spaces is reduced during closure caused by cortical spreading depolarisations. Perivascular spaces remain partially constricted for at least 30 minutes after closure from cortical spreading depolarisations. Cortical spreading depolarisations are implicated in migraine aura, transient focal neurologic episodes, microinfarct development in CAA, and secondary damage after stroke.