Central Nervous System (CNS) disorder

One theory of the cause of migraine headache is a central nervous system (CNS) disorder. The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. In migraine, various stimuli may cause a series of neurologic and biochemical events which affect the brain's vascular system.

The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. Disorders of this system are many, varied and frequently severe, affecting a large portion of the population. These debilitating disorders include diseases such as epilepsy and migraine; degenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease; and psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. In addition, chronic pain is a neurological response to disease or injury; or it may have no readily apparent cause. Regardless of the cause, it can have devastating effects on those suffering from it.

The complexity and pervasiveness of the CNS in every aspect of people's lives make it a challenging and potentially very rewarding area for research. Treatments for CNS disorders vary in effectiveness, but there are many conditions for which there are few safe and effective drugs. It has been estimated that nearly $36 billion is spent annually on prescription CNS drug sales. Many of these drugs merely treat the symptoms and do not provide cures. Work in this area is thus particularly important. NPS is engaged in research that addresses treatments for CNS disorders in a number of different areas. Some of these CNS diseases and disorders are described below.

Migraine headache is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of headache. These headaches can last from several hours to several days and can be disabling for the people who suffer from them. Migraine affects 26 million people in the U.S. and can strike anyone at any age, but most often affects young women.

Research has established the role played in migraine by serotonin, a naturally occurring chemical that is found throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, the platelets, and the brain. Changes in serotonin can result in the dilation of cerebral blood vessels and the local release of inflammatory substances. Some of the current drugs for treating migraine are serotonin agonists.