Final answer:
Triptans abort a headache by constricting blood vessels and blocking pain pathways, specifically in the case of migraines, which are caused by the dilation of blood vessels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Triptans are a class of medication used to abort a headache, particularly migraines, by constricting blood vessels and blocking pain pathways in the brain. Migraines are a specific type of headache characterized by severe throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. The underlying cause of a migraine involves the dilation of blood vessels in the head.
Triptans target serotonin receptors, which results in vasoconstriction, reducing the blood flow and the associated throbbing sensation. Additionally, triptans are believed to affect substances in the brain that can trigger inflammation and pain, such as prostaglandins. By doing so, they help to alleviate the pain of a headache that has already begun, providing relief to the individuals suffering from this intense discomfort.