Migraines

= **Migraines** = **Wikipost #3** **January 17th, 2016**



[[image:smithlhhsb122/sn-migraines.jpg width="308" height="174" align="left" caption="A diagram showing the thinkening of two areas of the female brain during a migraine: the insula, shown here in the back left side of an average brain, and the precuneus, shown here in the right hemisphere viewed from the middle. "]] Migraine attacks are chronic headaches that occur a few time s a year, or as many as several times per month. They typically affect only one side of the head, having a pulsing quality to them. Migraines are usually associated with symptoms such as nausea, light and/or sound and/or scent sensitivity. Migraines affect 12% of the world’s population at least once a year. Women are three times more likely to develop migraines than men. Stress, deranged sleep schedule, menstruation, and even change in air pressure are only a few of the common migraine triggers. [[image:smithlhhsb122/F3.large.jpg width="330" height="321" align="right" caption="A diagram explaining the role of the trigeminovascular system in migraines, as well as the calcitone gene-related peptide."]]

The sensitivity occurs in 2/3 of patients with migraines and is caused by a condition called allodynia. There have been many theories in regards to what exactly causes a migraine to occur. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that will decrease immensely during migrain es. It has also been proven that the trigeminal nerve system – which is the brain’s primary pain pathway – has a lot to do with migraines and their symptoms. When CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) is released from the trigeminovascular nerves, it is a powerful vasodilator of cerebral blood cells, as well as a pain signalling transmitter. When the levels of CGRP rise in jugular blood, a migraine occurs. People who are susceptible to migrai nes usually are sensitive to this peptide. At the onset of a migraine, CGRP levels increase and sensitize the trigeminal nerve to what are normally harmless signals. This results in the inflammation in the verves, also known as a pain signal. Because of this, a person experiencing a migraine attack will become extremely sensitive to light, sound, and smell. The neuronal production of CGRP will also increase when the hormone corticotrophin is released. These hormonal secretions occur when the body is responding to stress, which is in fact a common migraine trigger.

But what if this particular peptide could be blocked? There have been many treatments for migraines such as nerve-numbing injections, behavioural therapies, special diets, natural remedies, and medications such as triptans. These treatments are not always effective. Triptans medications are to be taken once a migraine has already began its course. They do not prevent the migraine from occurring. However, scientists have potentially discovered a new treatment: antibodies. These antibodies will either bind to the CGRP molecule or block its receptor which increases during a migraine. CGRP-binding antibodies help reduce migraine symptoms by getting rid of excess peptide or preventing it from binding to and activating cells. Although this recent treatment has shown significantly positive results in patients, the blocking of CGRP may also cause stroke and cardiac ischemia. It may take a while for this treatment to go on the market, but it is definitely a potential cure to migraines. [[image:smithlhhsb122/488x-1(3).jpg caption="Here is a chart that demonstrates the results of the CGRP antibody (two different pharmaceutical companies) and its successful effects on patients with migraines. "]]

media type="youtube" key="N8TzqrRbPlY" width="560" height="315" Here is a video done by Hank Green that includes general information about migraines such as symptoms, causes, triggers, and treatments.


 * Further Reading:**

[] This is a scientific journal describing possible causes of migraines.

[|http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/new-nerve-drugs-may-finally-prevent-migraine-headaches/#] An article including the history of migraines, more on CGRP, as well as other treatments.

[] An article with more information on migraines in general.

[] This is an archive of journals written by Dr. Mauskop & his findings/ research on migraines and other related conditions such as cyclical vomiting syndrome.

[] This article includes types of headaches, how migraines are diagnosed, and treatments.


 * Sources Cited:**

[] [] [|http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/new-nerve-drugs-may-finally-prevent-migraine-headaches/#] [] [] [] [|http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-07-21/there-s-hope-beyond-botox-as-pharma-races-for-first-migraine-fix#media-1] []