Migraine is a complex disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of headache, most often unilateral and may or may not be associated with nausea, vomiting and visual or sensory symptoms. A recent study suggested that migraine associated with concussion appears to be more prevalent among athletes than is currently recognized.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain is quickly jarred inside the skull, interrupting its ability to function properly. It is the most common type of traumatic brain injury and may be caused by many things including a penetrating blow to the head, a motor vehicle accident, a fall or sports injuries.

Tad Seifert and colleagues studied the cases from sports neurology and orthopedic sports medicine clinic. They evaluated a total of 221 [male 140 and female 81] randomly selected sports-related concussion patients aged between 12-24 years, including 115 concussion cases (52%) and 106 orthopedic controls (48%). Participants were asked to complete a one-page questionnaire that recorded their age, sex, the reason for visit (concussion vs any other injury), concussion history and self/immediate family history of migraine headache. All these were compared in the concussion group versus orthopedic controls.

Results showed a statistically positive significant interaction between concussion group status and the history of migraine headache [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.90; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-3.50. P=0.039]. However, when a previous concussion history was included in the statistical model, this relationship failed to reach the significance [adjusted OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 0.89-3.16. P=0.107].

Findings suggest a link between migraine headache and concussion in athletes. These results indicate an increased risk of  migraine after suffering head injuries and researchers cannot determine the actual cause-effect relationship. They suggested that migraine headache should be considered as a modifying factor when caring for concussed athletes. However, scientific research into this relationship between concussion and migraine is still limited.