Serotonin and Migraine
Presenter Biography
Sophia is a senior undergraduate student at Portland State University and the Honors College, majoring in Public Health Studies and Biology, following the pre-nursing track.
Institution
PSU
Program/Major
Public Health Studies: Pre-Clinical Health Science and Biology
Degree
BA, BS
Presentation Type
Presentation
Start Date
4-4-2023 4:35 PM
End Date
4-4-2023 4:45 PM
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/40235
Keywords
Migraine, Serotonin
Abstract
Migraine, experienced by more than 1 billion people, is the second leading cause of disability worldwide. It is a physiologically complex disorder with nervous, vascular, and inflammatory components, and is associated with genetic factors and environmental influences. Migraine triggers are poorly understood, and sufferers have little control in preventing migraines from occurring. The aim of this review is to bridge the physiological migraine processes with lifestyle behaviors that can be modified by individuals, focusing on serotonin.
Migraines can be initiated when an external event triggers the release of vasodilators such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), leading to cranial vasodilation, headache, and other migraine-associated symptoms. Under normal conditions, serotonin counters the effect of CGRP by inducing vasoconstriction; however, when it is absent or low, as seen in migraine patients, vasodilators can accumulate in the cranial vessels and vasodilation may persist, leading to migraine. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, synthesized from the essential amino acid tryptophan obtained from the diet. Diets are variable, modifiable, and can be targeted toward increasing tryptophan intake, relative tryptophan availability, and serotonin synthesis. The majority of serotonin synthesis occurs in the gut by both enterocytes and bacteria of the microbiome, which can be increased by eating foods high in fiber, vitamin B6, and fermented products that favor a serotonin-friendly microbiome. Serum levels are also influenced by exercise, exposure to bright light, stress reduction, and positive mood induction. In summary, migraine sufferers can take control of their health through lifestyle modifications that increase serum serotonin and prevent migraine propagation.
Serotonin and Migraine
Migraine, experienced by more than 1 billion people, is the second leading cause of disability worldwide. It is a physiologically complex disorder with nervous, vascular, and inflammatory components, and is associated with genetic factors and environmental influences. Migraine triggers are poorly understood, and sufferers have little control in preventing migraines from occurring. The aim of this review is to bridge the physiological migraine processes with lifestyle behaviors that can be modified by individuals, focusing on serotonin.
Migraines can be initiated when an external event triggers the release of vasodilators such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), leading to cranial vasodilation, headache, and other migraine-associated symptoms. Under normal conditions, serotonin counters the effect of CGRP by inducing vasoconstriction; however, when it is absent or low, as seen in migraine patients, vasodilators can accumulate in the cranial vessels and vasodilation may persist, leading to migraine. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, synthesized from the essential amino acid tryptophan obtained from the diet. Diets are variable, modifiable, and can be targeted toward increasing tryptophan intake, relative tryptophan availability, and serotonin synthesis. The majority of serotonin synthesis occurs in the gut by both enterocytes and bacteria of the microbiome, which can be increased by eating foods high in fiber, vitamin B6, and fermented products that favor a serotonin-friendly microbiome. Serum levels are also influenced by exercise, exposure to bright light, stress reduction, and positive mood induction. In summary, migraine sufferers can take control of their health through lifestyle modifications that increase serum serotonin and prevent migraine propagation.