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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
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3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Tension-type headache and migraine in multiple sclerosis.
Ilya Kister1, Ana B Caminero, Joseph Herbert
1Department of Neurology, NYU School of Medicine, Multiple Sclerosis Care Center, 301 East 17th Street, New York, NY 10003, USA. ilya.kister@gmail.com
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|September 18, 2010
Summary
This review explores the connection between multiple sclerosis (MS) and common headaches like migraine. Evidence suggests a plausible, confirmed link, with potential shared causes or bidirectional effects.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimmunology
- Headache Medicine
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Migraine and tension-type headache are prevalent primary headache disorders.
- The co-occurrence of MS and primary headaches warrants investigation into potential associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evidence linking multiple sclerosis with migraine and tension-type headache.
- To explore biological plausibility and potential mechanisms behind the association.
- To examine the impact of coexisting headaches on MS clinical presentation and progression.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of scientific literature.
- Analysis of epidemiological and clinical studies.
- Discussion of etiological models including spurious association, unidirectional causality, bidirectional causality, and shared risk factors.
Main Results:
- Most studies confirm a biologically plausible association between migraine and MS.
- Potential explanations include shared genetic or environmental factors, or a bidirectional relationship.
- The impact of headache comorbidity on MS symptom profile, clinical course, and radiographic features is considered.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between migraine and multiple sclerosis, supported by current evidence.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise nature of this relationship and its clinical implications.
- Understanding this link may inform patient management and therapeutic strategies for both conditions.
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