Migraine in patients with multiple sclerosis: analysis of own data
https://doi.org/10.24884/1607-4181-2025-32-3-78-84
Abstract
Introduction. According to international publications, migraine (M) is more common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) than in the general population, while other types of primary headache (PH), including tension-type headache (TTH), do not have a similar tendency. There are several theories about the relationship between M and MS, but the substantiated mechanisms are currently unknown.
The objective of our work was to analyze the data on the occurrence and characteristics of M in patients with MS.
Methods and materials. A retrospective monocenter cohort study of patients with MS for the period 2018–2024 based on the Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University. Medical records of 168 patients with MS were analyzed.
Results. The overall prevalence of PH in our cohort of patients was 36.9 %, including headache type M 22 %, TTH 6.6 %, unclassified headache (UH) 8.3 %, drug-induced headache (DIH) in the presence of any form of PH 6.5 %. M was significantly more common in the relapsing-remitting type of MS (RRMS) than in the primary and secondary progressive types (PPMS, SPMS) combined (p=0.031). The median EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) disability scale in the group with M was 2 [2.0; 3.5], which is lower (p=0.046) than in the group of patients without headache 3.5 [2.0; 6.0]. Demographic characteristics and the use of disease-modifying drugs (DMARDS) did not differ significantly between the groups, and M was observed both before clinical manifestations of MS, at its manifestation, and developed after diagnosis.
Conclusion. The obtained data demonstrate a high prevalence of M in MS. Patients predominantly with RRMS and a low level of disability represent a promising category for further study of the relationship between HD and demyelinating disease.
About the Authors
N. M. Tereshchenko
Pavlov University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Tereshchenko Nikolai M., Neurologist, Senior Laboratory Assistant of the Department of Neurology
6-8, L’va Tolstogo str., Saint Petersburg, 197022
Competing Interests:
Authors declare no conflict of interest.
A. V. Amelin
Pavlov University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Amelin Alexandr V., Dr. of Sci. (Med.), Professor of the Department of Neurology
6-8, L’va Tolstogo str., Saint Petersburg, 197022
Competing Interests:
Authors declare no conflict of interest.
N. A. Totolyan
Pavlov University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Totolyan Natalya A., Dr. of Sci. (Med.), Professor of the Department of Neurology
6-8, L’va Tolstogo str., Saint Petersburg, 197022
Competing Interests:
Authors declare no conflict of interest.
E. V. Verbitskaya
Pavlov University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Verbitskaya Elena V., Associate Professor of the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Evidence-based Medicine, Head of the Department of Pharmacoepidemiology and Biomedical Statistics
6-8, L’va Tolstogo str., Saint Petersburg, 197022
Competing Interests:
Authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Review
For citations:
Tereshchenko N.M., Amelin A.V., Totolyan N.A., Verbitskaya E.V. Migraine in patients with multiple sclerosis: analysis of own data. The Scientific Notes of the Pavlov University. 2025;32(3):78-84. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24884/1607-4181-2025-32-3-78-84
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