Understanding How Migraine Drugs Interact With the Nervous System to Influence Pain Pathways and Sensory Processing
Migraine drugs play a crucial role in modulating the complex pathways that produce severe headaches and neurological symptoms. A migraine is not just pain; it is a neurovascular event involving sensory hypersensitivity, nerve activation, and chemical changes within the brain. The drugs used to treat migraines are specifically designed to interact with these pathways and interrupt the processes responsible for intense symptoms.
One of the main neurological components of a migraine is the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a powerful molecule that causes blood vessel dilation and transmits pain signals. Drugs that target CGRP—both gepants and monoclonal antibodies—bind to either the molecule itself or its receptor, preventing it from activating pain circuits. This breakthrough class of migraine drugs has been shown to reduce both the occurrence and severity of attacks, particularly in patients with chronic or refractory migraines.
Another important mechanism involves serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, pain,…