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Pathophysiology of chronic daily headache
1Neuroscience Unit, Department of Physiology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Rama IV Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. fmedask@md2.md.chula.ac.th
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|October 26, 2001
Summary
Chronic daily headache may stem from central nervous system sensitization. Serotonin system changes, possibly due to medication overuse, might play a role in developing this persistent headache condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The exact mechanisms of chronic daily headache (CDH) remain unclear.
- Central sensitization of neurons is a potential contributing factor.
- Alterations in the body's pain control systems may trigger CDH development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of serotonin system plasticity in chronic daily headache.
- To investigate the link between medication use and changes in serotonin pathways relevant to headache.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on chronic daily headache mechanisms.
- Analysis of studies examining serotonin levels and 5-HT(2A) receptor density.
- Consideration of the impact of chronic analgesic exposure on the serotonin system.
Main Results:
- Decreased platelet serotonin observed in chronic tension-type headache and medication-induced headache patients.
- Chronic analgesic use associated with altered serotonin content and 5-HT(2A) receptor density in the brain.
- Serotonin system plasticity identified as a potential facilitator of central sensitization.
Conclusions:
- The serotonin-dependent pain control system's plasticity may contribute to central sensitization.
- This sensitization process could lead to the development and maintenance of chronic daily headache.
- Further research into serotonin pathways is warranted for understanding and treating CDH.
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