Posted by drummer (209.105.134.204) on January 17, 2000 at 07:14:06:
In Reply to: Pain as mechanism for euphoria-seeking brain posted by Q on January 17, 2000 at 02:01:39:
This is definitely an intriguing discussion and personally I don’t believe that you need to ask permission to discuss anything that relates to Cluster Headaches on this message board. Let the discussion continue Bill !!!!!
I have searched high and low through the Internet for anything that has to do with Euphoria and Cluster Headaches. I came up empty. I then searched for Endorphins and Enkaphalins. Enkephalins and Endorphins are naturally occurring brain peptides with an opiate-like effect on pain transmission. According to what I have read; they can leave one feeling Euphoric.
Here is a direct copy/paste from a medical site on Enkaphalins and Endorphins. You’ll notice that mention is made of Neurotransmitters and Serotonergic fibers. All these things take place in the brain. Quite interesting indeed.
Enkephalins and endorphins are naturally occurring brain peptides with an opiate-like effect on pain transmission. Certain inhibitory interneurons in the dorsal horn use enkephalin as a neurotransmitter. The interneurons are activated by serotonergic fibers that descend from the reticular formation.
The actions of enkephalin causes a decrease in the EPSP produced by the 1o nociceptor via a presynaptic inhibitory action. In part, the effect is due to a decrease in the duration of the action potential in the C fiber terminal. When that occurs, less glutamate (GLU) and substance P are released from the terminal. Enkephalin also may cause a postsynaptic hyperpolarization due to a conductance-increase IPSP.
Endorphins are secreted 1:1 with ACTH. It is the endogenous opiate, and morphine action is so swift because morphine can use endorphin receptors to elicit its action. Endorphin is an analgesic. It has been suggested that the high an athlete gets is due to the endorphin that is released along with ACTH during the workout.
The only trouble I have is that I don’t know if Endorphins are being released or not during a Cluster attack. Personally, I don’t walk away from a Cluster attack feeling Euphoric. I feel relieved that the attack is over. I feel a great sense of accomplishment that I have endured chronic Cluster Headaches for 16 years, but I have never felt Euphoric after an acute attack. Tired and relieved; yes. Euphoric; no.
Let the discussion continue !!