This discovery prompted the development of new pharmacological treatments targeting serotonin receptors.
Modern Pharmacological Treatments
- Ergot Alkaloids: Derived from the ergot fungus, these drugs constrict blood vessels and were among the first effective migraine treatments.
- Triptans: Introduced in the 1990s, triptans are serotonin receptor agonists that alleviate migraine by targeting specific brain receptors, effectively stopping attacks in progress. Examples include sumatriptan and rizatriptan.
- Preventive Medications: Beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants have been used to reduce migraine frequency and severity.
Advances in Neurology and Imaging
The invention of neuroimaging techniques like MRI and CT scans in the late 20th century allowed researchers to visualize brain changes during migraine attacks. This led to better understanding of cortical spreading depression—a wave of neuronal and glial depolarization believed to underlie migraine aura. shutdown123