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Anticardiolipin antibodies in cluster headache
R Hering1, E G Couturier, R A Asherson
1Princess Margaret Migraine Clinic, Charing Cross Hospital, London.
Summary
Antiphospholipid antibodies, including anticardiolipin antibodies, are not associated with cluster headaches. This study found no elevated levels in patients, suggesting no link to this vascular headache condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Vascular Headaches
Background:
- Antiphospholipid antibodies have been observed in migraine patients.
- A recent study suggested this association was with concurrent conditions, not migraine itself.
- The link between antiphospholipid antibodies and other vascular headaches remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between anticardiolipin antibody levels and cluster headache.
- To determine if antiphospholipid antibodies play a role in the pathophysiology of cluster headaches.
Main Methods:
- Measured anticardiolipin antibody levels in 20 patients with cluster headache.
- Included patients during their cluster period, with three assessed during an acute attack.
- Monitored platelet counts and performed VDRL testing.
Main Results:
- No elevated anticardiolipin antibody levels were detected in any of the cluster headache patients.
- All patients had normal platelet counts.
- All patients tested VDRL negative.
Conclusions:
- There is no significant association between the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies and cluster headache.
- Further investigation into antiphospholipid antibodies in cluster headache is not warranted based on these findings.