Aida, Radames, Amneris – anger, pain, love, genes: dopamine
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter. It transmits information between nerve cells. Dopamine plays an important role in the generation of emotions, such as joy, happiness, but also fear and pain. Individual dopamine levels vary. At high concentrations, people react more emotionally and intensely. Dopamine levels decrease with age, perhaps one reason why people seem calmer and wiser as they age—and perhaps also experience fewer migraines?
In recent decades, scientific evidence has increasingly pointed to the significant role of dopamine in the development of migraines. Migraine sufferers are particularly sensitive to dopamine-like substances. These substances trigger migraine prodromal symptoms in them, such as yawning, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and other migraine symptoms. Dopamine blockers, on the other hand, can be used successfully to treat migraines. Furthermore, genes of the dopamine system exhibit a number of peculiarities in migraine patients. Dopamine receptors are found in abundance in the area of the brain known as the trigeminovascular system, where migraine pain is generated.
In a large new international genetic study, researchers from the University of Cologne, New York University, and the Kiel Pain Clinic have found new evidence for a link between migraine and two genes of the dopamine system. The dopamine beta-hydroxylase and the dopamine transporter gene play a central role in this connection. These findings provide another important key to understanding the origins of migraine and the development of new therapies.
Dear Dr. Goebel and colleagues,
I am pleased to know that I am not alone in my suspicion of a connection between rising dopamine levels and the onset of a migraine. I only recently stumbled upon this connection through my personal migraine diary and self-observation. However, I would prefer not to go into the details publicly here. Perhaps a dopamine inhibitor could indeed help.
Sincerely,
Claudia Schülke