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Updated: May 28, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Primary headache syndromes in systemic mastocytosis
Jonathan H Smith1, Joseph H Butterfield, F Michael Cutrer
1Mayo Clinic,Department of Neurology, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|October 1, 2011
Summary
This study suggests a link between mast cell activity and primary headaches like migraine. Symptoms of mast cell activation were more common in headache sufferers, particularly those with specific histamine-related symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Systemic mastocytosis involves increased mast cell activity.
- Mast cell activation is implicated in various inflammatory conditions.
- Headache syndromes are common neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between clinical mast cell activity and primary headache syndromes.
- To explore associations between mastocytosis symptoms and headache characteristics.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among individuals with systemic mastocytosis.
- Headache diagnoses and mastocytosis symptom data were collected.
- Standardized criteria were used for headache classification.
Main Results:
- Headache diagnoses included migraine and tension-type headaches.
- Symptoms of mast cell activity were significantly higher in individuals with headaches.
- Headache patients with mastocytosis flares were more likely to report itching, runny nose, and unilateral cranial autonomic features.
Conclusions:
- Observational data support a clinical relationship between mast cell activity and primary headache syndromes.
- Limitations include a low response rate and potential referral bias, affecting generalizability.
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