The Role of Serotonin and Other Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain. Two important transmitters, Serotonin and dopamine, appear to be critical in the processes leading to migraine headaches.

Serotonin is involved in regulation of pain perception and depression, among other important functions. A number of studies have suggested that Serotonin serves as a brake in the migraine process. To support this are the following observations during a migraine attack:

• Higher-than-normal levels of a Serotonin compound are excreted in urine.
• Levels of Serotonin in the blood drop.
• Drugs that target receptors in the brain for Serotonin are generally effective in stopping a migraine.

The receptors for Serotonin implicated in migraine are found on the trigeminal nerve endings. Serotonin appears to block the peptides involved in over-stimulating nerves and producing inflammation.

Until recently, the general theory on the migraine process rested solely on the idea that abnormalities of blood vessel (vascular) systems in the head were responsible for migraines. Now, however, experts tend to believe that migraine starts with an underlying central nervous system disorder, which, when triggered by various stimuli, sets off a chain of neurological and biochemical events, some of which subsequently affect the brain's vascular system.

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