The Evaluation of Atherosclerosis in Migraine Patients

Pain Practice

Volume 13, Issue 1, pages 41–45, January 2013

1. Fahri Halit Besir MD¹, 
2. Abdulkadir Koçer MD, MSc², 
3. Süber Dikici MD³, 
4. Sibel Yazgan MD¹, 
5. Şeyma Ozdem MD³

Article first published online: 24 APR 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1533-2500.2012.00551.x

Abstract  A potential association might exist between atherosclerosis and migraine. 

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a marker of generalized atherosclerosis; hence, we aimed to assess CIMT in migraine patients. This study included 30 patients and 60 healthy controls aged between 20 and 40 years. 

Episodic migraine diagnosis was made according to the criteria of International Headache Society (IHS). 

Healthy controls who do not suffer any headache problems were selected from among hospital and laboratory staffs. All subjects were evaluated regarding some parameters and features known to be associated with migraine and vascular changes, that is, gender, age, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking habits, used hormonal contraceptives, and history of disease. The left common carotid arteries of the subjects were examined, and CIMT was measured with real-time gray-scale sonography. Mean values and standard deviations were calculated. All measurements were made in migraine-free periods. Migraine patients and control subjects were well matched for those parameters known to be associated with vascular changes, that is, gender, age, BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol. CIMT values were higher in patients. 

The results showed that the mean CCA IMT values were 0.493 ± 0.074 mm and 0.409 ± 0.053 mm in migraine patients and controls, respectively (P < 0.001). 

There is a relationship between atherosclerosis and inflammation in migraine patients. The risk of cranial inflammatory arteriopathy increases in repeated attacks of migraine. Our study also supports that high number of attacks and attack duration are important in the development of atherosclerosis.

Bronchial Hyper-Reactivity in Migraine Without Aura: Is It a New Clue for Inflammation?

• Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain 10 NOV 2010

  
  

  Hakan Kaleagasi MD, 

  
  

  Eylem Özgür MD,

  
  

  Cengiz Özge MD, 

  
  

  Aynur Özge MD

  
  

  
  
  DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010.01798.x

Objective.— We attempted to investigate the relationship between migraine without aura (MwoA) and bronchial hyper-reactivity to postulate inflammation as an underlying mechanism in migraine.

Background.— Comorbidity of migraine and atopic diseases such as asthma has been an argument for suspected immune system dysfunction in migraineurs.

Methods.— Twenty patients with MwoA and 5 control subjects without history of atophy and asthma were included in study. Subjects with abnormal physical examination and chest radiographs were excluded. After a normal spirometry, methacholine bronchoprovocation test was performed in all subjects and controls according to 5 breath dosimeter methods.

Results.— Sixteen of 20 patients and 2 of 5 control subjects were women. Mean ages were 37.5 (19-56) and 33.8 (26-43) years, respectively. Methacholine bronchoprovocation test was positive in 3 patients (15%) but was normal in all controls (0%).

Conclusions.— The relationship between MwoA and bronchial hyper-reactivity may help to postulate the inflammation in migraine as an underlying mechanism.

Headache Attributable to Disorders of the Eye

 Current Pain and Headache Reports  1531-3433 (Print) 1534-3081 (Online)
Deborah I. Friedman1 , Lynn K. Gordon2 and Peter A. Quiros3

(1) Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 659, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
(2) Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7005, USA
(3) Doheny Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Suite 5803, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA 

Published online: 19 January 2010

Abstract Sensory innervation to the eye and periocular area arises from the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. Thus, ocular, orbital, and systemic disorders may produce head pain with ocular signs and symptoms. Whereas some of these entities have characteristic diagnostic features, others mimic primary headache disorders such as migraine and cluster headache. This article reviews common ocular and neuro-ophthalmic conditions that are accompanied by pain in or near the eye.