A migraine is a recurrent throbbing headache that typically affects one side of the head and is often accompanied by nausea and disturbed vision.

Pathophysiology: Migraine is caused by the dilation and inflammation of cephalic arteries and intracranial extra cerebral arteries.

Drugs used for migraine:

Calcium blockers and beta blockers are used for migraine. Propranolol reduces intensity and frequency of migraine. Metoprolol, Timolol and Atenolol also give the same efficacy.

Serotonin also plays a role in migraine, specifically 5HT1_D agonists such as Sumatriptan, Naratriptan and Rizatriptan. They increase intracranial vasoconstriction and counteracts vasodilatation that causes pain in migraine

Ergot alkaloids may also be used for the treatment of migraine (acute) since they are partial agonists at both serotonin and alpha receptors.

Other drugs such as ibuprofen can be used to treat migraines (anti-inflammatory drugs)