The migraine theories of Liveing and Latham: a reappraisal

Abstract

This article discusses the leading 19th century British contributions to theories of migraine pathogenesis: Edward Liveing's theory of nerve storms and Peter Wallwork Latham's vasomotor theory, providing a detailed accounts of their origin, and their rise and fall in the latter decades of the century, emphasizing the central role of William Gowers in their ultimate downfall. The article concludes by discussing the reasons behind the rising reputation of Liveing's work, demonstrating how history may be made to serve contemporary ends.