Which vascular change occurs during a migraine?

Which vascular change occurs during a migraine?

• A. Initial dilation followed by constriction
• B. No vascular changes
• C. Continuous constriction
• D. Initial constriction followed by dilation

Answer: (D)

Migraines involve a two-phase change in the brain’s blood vessels. First, the vessels constrict, reducing blood flow. Then they dilate, increasing blood flow and creating the pulsating headache. This sequence explains why some people experience aura from the initial constriction and why the headache phase comes with vasodilation driven by trigeminal activation and releasing vasoactive substances like CGRP. So the best description is initial constriction followed by dilation.

Migraines involve a two-phase change in the brain’s blood vessels. First, the vessels constrict, reducing blood flow. Then they dilate, increasing blood flow and creating the pulsating headache. This sequence explains why some people experience aura from the initial constriction and why the headache phase comes with vasodilation driven by trigeminal activation and releasing vasoactive substances like CGRP. So the best description is initial constriction followed by dilation.