Evaluation of prevalence of migraine among women with endometriosis

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Created On: 06/07/2023

A prospective nested case-control study was carried out to check whether the different forms of migraine are linked with the phenotypes and/or characteristics of endometriosis.

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Key take away

In endometriosis patients, the onset of headache is linked with the existence of various migraine types, is connected with pain sensations, and frequently occurs prior to endometriosis diagnosis.

Background

A prospective nested case-control study was carried out to check whether the different forms of migraine are linked with the phenotypes and/or characteristics of endometriosis.

Method

In total, 131 endometriosis patients who regularly attended the endometriosis clinic were recruited and had their headaches assessed. The characteristics of migraine were determined using a headache questionnaire. Women with endometriosis and a migraine diagnosis made up the case group, whereas those with endometriosis alone made up the control group. The collection of history, symptoms, and associated comorbidities was done. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to rate the severity of pelvic discomfort and its accompanying symptoms.

Result

In 53.4% (70/131) of people, migraine diagnosis was made. Pure menstrual migraine was reported by 18.6% (13/70), non-menstrual migraine was reported by 35.7% (25/70), and menstrually linked migraine by 45.7% (32/70). Dysmenorrhoea and dysuria were considerably more frequent in those with endometriosis and migraine than those without migraine.

Other factors like endometriosis phenotype, age at diagnosis, length of endometriosis, existence of additional autoimmune comorbidities, or excessive menstrual bleeding, did not show any difference. The majority of migraine patients (85.7%) reported headache symptoms for years prior to the endometriosis diagnosis.

Conclusion

Menstrually-associated migraine is the most typical type of migraine identified in endometriosis-affected women who have undergone headache screening and examination by a headache specialist.