THE MECHANICS OF MIGRAINE

Mar
23
2009

Amino acids (proteins) in the foods we eat are the body’s only source of norepinephrine and serotonin. The amino acid phenylalanine is the precursor of norepinephrine while trvptophan is the precursor of serotonin. Chronic migraine headache sufferers invariably have a deficiency of one or both.

Immediately the fighti-or-flight response is evoked, norepineprine is released. Swiftly it locks into beta receptors on blood vessels in the head, causing them to constrict powerfully. A few minutes later (typically 4 to 8 minutes), serotonin appears and intensifies the constriction, causing the blood vessels to go into spasm. Artery spasm is further enhanced by the presence of calcium. In vascular headaches, calcium must be present for arteries to constrict.

At this point, the immune system steps in and releases yet another chemical messenger, histamine, which creates inflammation by causing blood vessels to swell.

Both calcium and histamine must be present for the headache process to continue. If either is blocked by intervention, constriction ceases, artery walls return to normal size, and the headache is aborted. Not surprisingly, several anti-headache medications work by blocking one or other

of these chemicals.

Next, serotonin teams up with a substance called bradykinin. Together, they coat the arteries of scalp and brain, making these blood vessels extremely sensitive to pain. Blood flow to cells in the brain and scalp is then reduced.

Faced with this potent array of biochemicals, the stabilizing influence of the body’s normal adrenohormone supply is powerless to prevent a rebound effect. In a desperate attempt to bring in more blood and oxygen, the blood vessels rebel with a sudden and explosive dilation.