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Published on: June 2, 2014
Migraine-mimicking headache and sickle cell disease: a transcranial Doppler study
G S Silva1, P Vicari, M S Figueiredo
1Department of Neurology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|May 12, 2006
Summary
Headache is common in sickle cell disease (SCD). Frequent, severe headaches in SCD patients are linked to higher blood flow velocities, suggesting a connection beyond primary headache disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hematology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Headache is a recognized symptom in sickle cell disease (SCD).
- The specific characteristics, frequency, and underlying mechanisms of headache in SCD remain understudied.
- Understanding these patterns is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the patterns of headache in adults with SCD.
- To correlate headache presence and severity with transcranial Doppler (TCD) measured blood flow velocities.
- To examine the relationship between headache and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in SCD patients.
Main Methods:
- Study included 56 adult patients with sickle cell disease.
- Headache characteristics were assessed, with a focus on International Headache Society criteria.
- Transcranial Doppler (TCD) was used to measure blood flow velocities.
- Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to identify abnormalities.
Main Results:
- 50% of SCD patients experienced severe and frequent headaches.
- 35.7% of patients met criteria for migraine without aura.
- Patients with frequent/severe headaches showed significantly higher TCD velocities compared to those with less severe headaches.
- No correlation was observed between headache and brain MRI abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- A migraine-like headache presentation is observed in sickle cell disease.
- These headaches are not considered primary headaches due to the significant role of secondary blood flow abnormalities.
- Elevated blood flow velocities, detected by TCD, appear to be an important factor in SCD-related headaches.
