Many people regularly suffer the pain of migraine headaches. Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, may be a key factor in migraine headaches.
Migraine Headaches
Migraines are a type of headache known as a vascular headache, meaning the blood vessels are affected. They are often accompanied by visual changes, nausea and the characteristic "migraine aura." Genetics play a part -- migraines tend to run in families -- and so does gender, with women more likely to experience migraines than men. Many people find that their migraines are triggered by certain foods, odors or stress. Many in the medical profession believe migraines are the result of a central nervous system disorder. The various stimuli such as foods create changes in the brain's biochemistry that has vascular effects.
Significance of Serotonin
According to the University of Maryland's patient education website, there are a number of brain chemicals that are being investigated for their relationship to migraines. One of these is serotonin. Serotonin, described by The National Institute of Mental Health as "A neurotransmitter that regulates many functions, including mood, appetite and sensory perception" is synthesized in the human body from tryptophan, an amino acid. Low serotonin levels seem to be implicated as a trigger for migraines. When serotonin levels drop, the blood vessels in the brain swell; it is the swelling that causes the pain of a migraine.
Migraine Treatment Related to Serotonin
One indication that serotonin is implicated in migraines is that a class of medications called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs, is sometimes used to treat that type of headache. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters are associated with depression, including the neurotransmitter serotonin. Some research suggests that abnormalities in neurotransmitter activity affect mood and behavior. SSRIs seem to relieve symptoms of depression by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin by certain nerve cells in the brain. This leaves more serotonin available in the brain. Increased serotonin enhances neurotransmission -- the sending of nerve impulses -- and improves mood. SSRIs are called selective because they seem to affect only serotonin, not other neurotransmitters."
Raising Serotonin Levels Without Medications
For those who can't or don't want to take medications, there are other strategies. Dr. Simon N. Young, editor-in-chief of the "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience" and with the Department of Psychiatry, McGill University is the author of "How to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs." He found that psychotherapy, bright light therapy, exercise and possibly diet are all ways that serotonin levels can be increased.
Considerations
While these strategies are relatively low risk, you should discuss changes in your medical regimen with your doctor, particularly if you would like to make changes in medications.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Migraine Headaches -- Causes
- American Family Physician: Migraine Headaches: How to Deal with the Pain
- American Family Physician: Off-Label Applications for SSRIs
- Mayo Clinic: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience": How to Increase Serotonin in the Human Brain Without Drugs
