Effect of tryptophan depletion on symptoms of motion sickness in migraineurs.

Abstract

Seven hours after 39 migraineurs and 37 controls consumed an amino acid drink that contained or omitted l-tryptophan (thereby reducing brain serotonin synthesis), motion sickness was provoked by the visual illusion of movement. Tryptophan depletion boosted dizziness, nausea, and the illusion of movement in controls to levels that approached those of migraineurs. Thus, reduced brain serotonin activity may promote vestibuloocular disturbances during motion sickness and attacks of migraine.

• Authors: Peter D Drummond
• Journal: Neurology (Neurology) Vol. 65 Issue 4 Pg. 620-2 (Aug 23 2005) ISSN: 1526-632X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 16116130 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Serotonin
• Tryptophan

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Brain (metabolism, physiopathology)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Food, Formulated
• Humans
• Illusions (physiology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Migraine Disorders (complications, metabolism, physiopathology)
• Motion Sickness (drug therapy, etiology, metabolism)
• Nystagmus, Optokinetic (physiology)
• Photic Stimulation
• Placebo Effect
• Serotonin (biosynthesis, deficiency)
• Treatment Outcome
• Tryptophan (blood, deficiency, metabolism)