IN SEARCH OF THE IDEAL TREATMENT FOR MIGRAINE HEADACHE

Migraine headache is a common syndrome, afflicting millions, that has so far defied a definitive cure. Experimental research studies of the syndrome tend to describe the triggering factors separately. We propos e a common denominator - namely, high levels of blood lipids and free fatty acids - as underlying factor in the development of migraine head aches. Biological states that may cause increases in free fatty acids and blood lipids include: high dietary fat intake, obesity, insulin re sistance, vigorous exercise, hunger, consumption of alcohol, coffee, a nd other caffeinated beverages, oral contraceptives, smoking, and stre ss. Elevated blood lipids and free fatty acids are associated with inc reased platelet aggregability, decreased serotonin, and heightened pro staglandin levels. These changes lead to the vasodilatation that prece des migraine headache. We suggest that migraine headache should not be seen as an isolated symptom, but as a first signal of potential bioch emical imbalances in the body, which can lead to development of chroni c disease.