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Catecholamine levels in plasma and CSF in migraine
F Martínez1, J Castillo, J Pardo
1Department of Neurology, Hospital General de Galicia, Clinico Universitario, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Migraine patients show lower plasma noradrenaline levels during attacks, suggesting central sympathetic nervous system dysfunction. This finding helps understand the underlying mechanisms of migraine headaches.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Clinical and pharmacological evidence suggests sympathetic nervous system dysfunction in migraine.
- The role of catecholamines in migraine pathophysiology requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sympathetic nervous system activity in patients experiencing migraine attacks.
- To compare plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) catecholamine levels in migraineurs versus controls under stress.
Main Methods:
- Measured plasma and CSF concentrations of adrenaline and noradrenaline.
- Included patients with common or classic migraine and healthy controls experiencing stress.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower plasma noradrenaline levels were observed in common migraine patients compared to controls (p < 0.05).
- Other catecholamine levels in plasma and CSF were only slightly reduced in both migraine groups.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest the presence of central sympathetic dysfunction in individuals with migraine.
- This dysfunction may contribute to the pathophysiology of migraine attacks.