The Association Between Haematological Parameters, Migraine and Tension Type Headache

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Migraine and tension type headache (TTH) are the most common primary headaches, which affect the activities of daily living. Although the relationship between haematological diseases (anemia, polycytemia, heamochromatosis) and headache is accepted in neurology practice, studies examining iron deficiency or metabolism in patients with episodic tension type headache (ETTH) and migraine are in limited number. OBJECTIVES: In this study we aimed to investigate the relationship between primary headaches (migraine and episodic tension type headache) and iron deficiency anemia parameters. METHODS: 132 migraine and 120 ETTH patients were included into study. Total blood count examinations, serum iron, Iron Binding Capacity (IBC), ferritin, platelet (Plt), vitamin B 12 and folic acid levels were examined in all patients. RESULTS: In migraine group, the increased frequency of headache was correlated with elevated level of ferritin, and decreased level of IBC. In TTH patients, the increased frequency of headache was found to be correlated with decreased levels of Hb, Htc, ferritin, and increased level of IBC. In all patients, no correlation was found between the haematological parameters and duration and severity of headache. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes that in patients with primary headaches, especially TTH, examination of iron metabolism will be helpful in planning the treatment and follow-up

Keywords

• Migraine
• episodic tension type headache
• iron deficiency anemia