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Published on: March 17, 2016
Association of white matter hyperintensities with migraine features and prognosis
Hui Xie1, Qiang Zhang1,2, Kang Huo1
1Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
Background:
White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are frequently detected in migraine patients. However, their significance and correlation to migraine disease burden remain unclear. This study aims to examine the correlation of WMHs with migraine features and explore the relationship between WMHs and migraine prognosis.
Methods:
A total of 69 migraineurs underwent MRI scans to evaluate WMHs. Migraine features were compared between patients with and without WMHs. After an average follow-up period of 3 years, these patients were divided into two groups, according to the reduction of headache frequency: improved and non-improved groups. The percentage and degree of WMHs were compared between these two groups.
Results:
A total of 24 patients (34.8%) had WMHs. Patients with WMHs were significantly older (39.0 ± 7.9 vs. 30.6 ± 10.4 years, P < 0.001) and had a longer disease duration (median: 180.0 vs. 84.0 months, P = 0.013). Furthermore, 33 patients completed the follow up period (15 patients improved and 18 patients did not improve). Patients in the non-improved group had a higher frequency of WMHs (55.6% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.027) and median WMHs score (1.0 vs. 0.0, P = 0.030).
Conclusions:
WMHs can predict unfavorable migraine prognosis. Furthermore, WMHs may have a closer association with age than migraine features.
Insights
White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in migraine patients are linked to poorer prognosis. These brain lesions may be more associated with age than specific migraine features, indicating potential implications for long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Migraine Research
Background:
- White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are common in migraine patients but their clinical significance is not fully understood.
- The relationship between WMHs, migraine burden, and long-term prognosis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between WMHs and migraine characteristics.
- To explore the association of WMHs with migraine prognosis over a 3-year follow-up period.
Main Methods:
- MRI scans were used to assess WMHs in 69 migraineurs.
- Migraine features were compared between patients with and without WMHs.
- Patients were followed for 3 years to evaluate prognosis based on headache frequency reduction.
Main Results:
- 34.8% of patients exhibited WMHs, correlating with older age and longer disease duration.
- Patients with WMHs showed a higher frequency and score of these lesions in the non-improved prognosis group.
- WMHs were significantly associated with unfavorable migraine outcomes.
Conclusions:
- WMHs can serve as a predictor of unfavorable migraine prognosis.
- The presence and severity of WMHs may be more strongly linked to patient age than to specific migraine features.
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