The interplay between vascular mechanisms and headache, especially migraine, has long navigated through a sea of intricate and sometimes contradictory research findings, crafting a narrative that intertwines the serenity of clear connections with the tempest of unresolved queries. In this special collection, we cordially invite researchers and clinicians to sail with us into an exploration of "Vascular Triggers of Headache," in which we shall embark on a journey through the vasculature and its posited roles, shedding light on known territories and voyaging into the unexplored. The intricate tapestry of vascular causes associated with headache is rich, yet not fully unraveled. Migraine, an enigmatic and multifaceted neurological disorder, have historically been enshrouded in vascular theories, with early hypotheses anchoring its pathophysiology to cerebral vasodilation. Conversely, contemporary research has somewhat diverted from this stringent vascular focus, steering towards neuronal and neurovascular platforms. A divergence that inevitably sparks the debate: Is migraine predominantly a vascular disorder? We invite scholarly debates that weigh anchor in evidence and conjecture alike, providing a balanced scrutiny into this age-old question and its concomitant hypotheses. Comprehensive reviews that delve into vascular culprits such as cranial or cervical artery dissections, cerebral microemboli, patent foramen ovale (PFO), reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), and other vasculopathies (both genetic and acquired) will serve to both illuminate and question our current understanding, unearthing new questions and pathways for exploration. Further, we welcome original research articles that puncture through the current membrane of knowledge regarding the vascular mechanisms and headache. Innovative methodologies, exploratory studies, and research that breeches into new channels of understanding are particularly encouraged. Through this article Collection, we endeavor to create a confluence of ideas, knowledge, and curiosity. While the vascular mechanisms underlying headache and migraine remain an enigma, enveloped in a fog of partial understanding, this compilation aims to gather a fleet of scientific minds to dispel the mist and navigate towards enlightenment.

The Journal of Headache and Pain is pleased to present our 2025 Early Career Research Mentorship Program. Early Career Researchers (PhD/PostDoc or Resident) are eligible for this program. Applications can be made by the submission of an Original Research or Review article (as the corresponding or co-corresponding author), within the scope of The Journal of Headache and Pain, to the thematic series "2025 Early Career Research Mentorship". Applicants should include a declaration of their eligibility in the cover letter alongside their submitted article. This program is associated with a total award of 31,900 EUR/39,900 USD/28,900 GBP ( +VAT) in the form of 10 waivers of the journal's Article Processing Charge, divided between 10 early career researchers. The awards will be granted to 10 applicants on a first-come, first-served basis, upon acceptance of their submitted article after peer review. All submitted articles will be sent for an initial round of peer-review, regardless of novelty, provided they are in scope and sufficiently sound. Articles will follow the journal's standard peer-review process, with the series edited and overseen by the Editor-in-Chief. All accepted articles will be published together in the thematic series "2025 Early Career Research Mentorship". Applicants will also be considered for a position on The Journal of Headache and Pain Junior Editorial Board. Current members of the Junior Editorial Board are also welcome to submit their work for consideration. The program will close to submissions October 31st 2025.

All submissions in this collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.