Objective: We used MRI to search for changes in thalamo-cortical networks and thalamic microstructure during spontaneous migraine attacks by studying at the same time structure with diffusion tensor imaging and resting state function in interconnected brain networks with independent component analysis.

Methods: Thirteen patients with untreated migraine without aura (MI) underwent 3T MRI scans during an attack and were compared to a group of 19 healthy controls (HC).