A 32-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 3-month history of recurrent headaches and nausea. The headaches occur a few times a month and alternately affect the right or left side. The headaches are exacerbated by loud sounds or bright light. Physical examination reveals no abnormalities. A medication is prescribed to treat her condition and the patient is instructed to take it immediately at the onset of a headache. This medication most likely decreases the severity and duration of this patient's headache through which of the following mechanisms?

Question

A 32-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 3-month history of recurrent headaches and nausea. The headaches occur a few times a month and alternately affect the right or left side. The headaches are exacerbated by loud sounds or bright light.   Physical examination reveals no abnormalities.  A medication is prescribed to treat her condition and the patient is instructed to take it immediately at the onset of a headache.  This medication most likely decreases the severity and duration of this patient's headache through which of the following mechanisms?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The pathogenesis of migraines is complex and multifactorial but includes neurogenic inflammation, vasodilation, and sensitization of trigeminal afferents in the meninges.  Triptans are serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 1B/1D agonists that stimulate the trigeminovascular serotonin receptors, resulting in inhibition of vasoactive peptide release, intracranial vasoconstriction, and decreased pain.  They are used as abortive therapy for acute migraine.

A 32-Year-Old Woman Comes to the Physician Because of a 3-Month