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Peripheral mechanism of action of antimigraine prophylactic drugs

  • Current Reality in Headache Treatments
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Abstract

Migraine is a visceral pain. According to current theories, activation of trigeminocervical nerve endings releases calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P, inducing vasodilation and plasma protein extravasation, leading to ‘neurogenic’ inflammation. Activation of the trigeminovascular system is followed by sensitisation of trigeminocervical fibres, maintaining a condition of hypersensitivity to non-noxious stimuli that support persistent pain during migraine attack. Other neurotransmitters (nitric oxide, bradykinins, 5-HT, etc.) play a role in regulating this complex mechanism. In this brief review, we consider the effect of drugs that, acting on the different transmitters involving in pain perception, can stop or inhibit these pathogenetic mechanisms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neurological Department and Headache Center, Policlinico “S. Pietro”, via Forlanini 15, 24036, Ponte San Pietro (BG), Italy

    Fabio Frediani

  2. Neurology Unit, S. Andrea Hospital “La Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy

    Veronica Villani

  3. Casa di Cura S. Francesco, Telese Terme (BN), Italy

    Gerardo Casucci

Authors
  1. Fabio Frediani
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  2. Veronica Villani
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  3. Gerardo Casucci
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Fabio Frediani.

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Frediani, F., Villani, V. & Casucci, G. Peripheral mechanism of action of antimigraine prophylactic drugs. Neurol Sci 29 (Suppl 1), 127–130 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-008-0903-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-008-0903-8

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