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Helicobacter pylori infection in migraine headache: a true association or an innocent bystander?
Amr Hassan1, Dina Mehany2, Hadeel Gamal Eldin3
1Neurology Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract:
Much concern was directed towards the relationship between migraine and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Some researchers reported a strong association. Meanwhile, others have indicated totally negative results. The aim of this work was to clarify the association between migraine headaches and both H. pylori infection and Gastrointestinal (GIT) symptoms and to study their impact on the frequency and severity of migraine headache attacks.
Abstract:
This is a case control study conducted on 77 migraine patients and 77 healthy controls. History was taken from the included patients regarding the frequency of migraine headache attacks/month and GIT symptoms including dyspepsia, flatulence, weight loss, and epigastric pain. Migraine Disability Assessment Test (MIDAS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used for assessment of migraine severity. Helicobacter pylori was detected in the stool of the included patients and controls.
Abstract:
There was a significantly higher prevalence of infection with H. pylori in migraine patients [77.9% (n = 60)] than control group [50.6% (n = 39)] (P-value˂ 0.001, Odds ratio= 3.439, 95% CI =1.708 - 6.923). The prevalence of dyspepsia, flatulence, and epigastric pain. was significantly higher in migraine patients in comparison to control group (P-value= 0.003, 0.017, 0.006 respectively). There was no effect of infection with H. pylori or presence of GIT symptoms on frequency of migraine attacks, MIDAS or VAS scores.
Abstract:
GIT symptoms and H. pylori infection are more prevalent in patients with migraine compared to controls, however, they might not have an impact on the frequency or severity of migraine headache attacks.
Insights
Helicobacter pylori infection and related gastrointestinal symptoms are more common in migraine patients. However, these factors do not appear to influence migraine frequency or severity.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Neurology
- Microbiology
Background:
- The relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and migraine remains debated, with conflicting research findings.
- Gastrointestinal (GIT) symptoms are frequently reported by migraine sufferers, prompting investigation into potential links.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between H. pylori infection, GIT symptoms, and migraine.
- To determine the impact of H. pylori infection and GIT symptoms on migraine frequency and severity.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 77 migraine patients and 77 healthy controls.
- H. pylori detection in stool samples; assessment of GIT symptoms (dyspepsia, flatulence, epigastric pain).
- Migraine severity evaluated using MIDAS and VAS; frequency recorded monthly.
Main Results:
- H. pylori infection prevalence was significantly higher in migraine patients (77.9%) compared to controls (50.6%).
- Migraine patients exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of dyspepsia, flatulence, and epigastric pain.
- Neither H. pylori infection nor GIT symptoms showed a significant effect on migraine attack frequency, MIDAS, or VAS scores.
Conclusions:
- H. pylori infection and GIT symptoms are more prevalent in individuals with migraine.
- Current evidence suggests that H. pylori infection and associated GIT symptoms may not directly influence the frequency or severity of migraine attacks.
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