The increased amplitude of the pulsations of the cranial arteries is believed to be at least one source of pain. Induced decrements in the amplitude of pulsation reduce the intensity of the headache. Ergotamine is a drug which reduces the pulsations and provides relief from pain. Serotonin in migraine . A sound, unifying hypothesis of the role of serotonin in migraine is unknown.
Evidence suggests that serotonin plays a role in migraine.
Some evidence suggests that abnormalities arise in the serotonergic control of cerebral blood vessels so that vasodilation occurs. Other evidence supports that concept that abnormalities in the serotonergic regulation of nociception occurs. Perhaps both aberrations contribute to each episode of migraine. During a migraine attack, many changes in serotonin metabolism or distribution occur. Moreover, drugs which affect migraine also alter extracellular serotonin levels or the functioning of serotonergic neurons.