Oxidative Stress: What a Headache!

"People with migraine likely have genetic differences that lower pain thresholds and increase the likelihood of having migraine attacks. People with migraine are also more likely to have had early childhood trauma and high-stress times in their lives, which could change how their brains interact with their environment. However, oxidative stress may play an important role in lowering the threshold for triggering migraine attacks, making it easier for migraine attacks to happen more often."

"Part of healthy cell functioning is producing by-products of cell metabolism called reactive oxygen species. Normally, these oxygen species are immediately neutralized by antioxidants that naturally occur in our brains. But in certain situations, the cells in our brains produce too much of these oxygen species, which can interfere with how our brain cells function. This is called " oxidative stress," because the reactive oxygen species are putting stress on the brain's healthy functioning."

Oxidative stress can strain healthy brain functioning and may lower the threshold for migraine attacks, making attacks easier and more frequent. Reactive oxygen species are produced as by-products of normal cell metabolism and are normally neutralized by antioxidants present in the brain. When cells produce excess reactive oxygen species, those molecules interfere with neuronal function; this state is called " oxidative stress," because the reactive oxygen species are putting stress on the brain's healthy functioning. Common sources of oxidative stress include psychosocial stress, sleep deprivation, sedentary behavior, alcohol, and skipping meals. Genetic differences, early childhood trauma, and high-stress periods can further increase migraine susceptibility. Medications and lifestyle changes that reduce oxidative stress may help prevent or treat migraine.

Read at Psychology Today