Dopamine migraine

Certain foods can trigger a migraine attack by effects on neurotransmitter release or metabolism in the brain. For example, a number of foods contain tryptamine which is known to cause release of other amines (dopamine, noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine) from both nerve terminals and platelets. This release could initiate the sequence of events that results in the migraine attack. Elimination of such foods from the diet can decrease the number of headaches. Compounds that discourage platelet aggregation (e.g. aspirin) may prevent such attacks. 

Di Rocco A, Brannan T, Prikhojan A, et al Sertraline induced parkinsonism a case report and an in-vivo study of the effect of sertraline on dopamine metabolism. J Neural Transm 105 247—251, 1998 Doughty Ml, Lyle WM Medications used to prevent migraine headaches and their potential ocular adverse effects. Optom Vis Sci 72 879-891, 1995... 

A migraine is a debilitating neurovascular disorder that is not clearly understood. Research indicates blood vessels expand and release abnormal amounts of dopamine and serotonin, resulting in inflammation and pain. Research also indicates that in some patients blood vessels are unusually sensitive to dopamine and serotonin, which are normally found in the brain. 

Migraines are a debilitating neurovascular disorder that affects 28 million people over the age of 11. The cause of migraines is not clearly understood although research indicates the expansion of blood vessels and the release of certain chemicals—such as dopamine and serotonin—causes inflammation and pain. Dopamine and serotonin are found normally in the brain. A migraine can occur if an abnormal amount of these chemicals are present or if the blood vessels are unusually sensitive to them. 

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