What can an excess of glutamate lead to?

An excess of glutamate can indeed lead to migraines and seizures. Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, playing a vital role in synaptic transmission and plasticity. When its levels become excessively high, it can lead to a phenomenon known as excitotoxicity, where the overstimulation of neurons results in cell damage and death. This overstimulation can manifest clinically as neurological issues, including migraines and seizures, which are characterized by heightened neuronal activity.

The other options do not accurately reflect the effects of excessive glutamate. Fatigue and drowsiness, for instance, are typically associated with low energy levels and could be linked more to other neurotransmitter imbalances rather than excess glutamate. Enhanced cognitive functions and increased motor skills suggest a beneficial effect of glutamate, which contradicts the premise of excess leading to harmful outcomes. Thus, the connection between high glutamate levels and the risk of migraines and seizures aligns with current understanding in neurobiology.