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Updated: May 11, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Dopaminergic symptoms in migraine
Piero Barbanti1, L Fofi, C Aurilia
1Headache and Pain Unit, Department of Neurological, Motor and Sensorial Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Via della Pisana 235, 00163 Rome, Italy. piero.barbanti@sanraffaele.it
Summary
Migraine attacks may involve dopamine fluctuations. Low dopamine initially causes prodromal symptoms, while rising levels trigger nausea, vomiting, and postdromal effects in susceptible individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Dopaminergic symptoms frequently accompany migraine attacks.
- Evidence suggests a link between dopamine and migraine pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evidence on the dopamine-migraine relationship.
- To postulate a mechanism for dopamine's role in migraine attacks.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of pharmacological, biochemical, genetic, and animal studies.
- Correlation of scientific data with clinical migraine features.
Main Results:
- Migraine attacks may involve ictal dopamine release.
- Dopamine receptor hypersensitivity, due to chronic dopaminergic deficit, is implicated.
- Fluctuating dopamine levels correlate with specific migraine phases and symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Migraine pathophysiology may involve altered dopamine signaling.
- Hypersensitive dopamine receptors interact with fluctuating dopamine levels during attacks.
- This interaction explains the diverse dopaminergic symptoms observed in migraine patients.
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