Association between iron deficiency anemia and chronic daily headache: A case-control study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Hematology

Background:

• Chronic daily headache (CDH) is a prevalent condition impacting quality of life.
• The role of nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency anemia (IDA), in CDH requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between iron deficiency anemia and chronic daily headache.
• To explore the relationship between IDA and the characteristics of CDH, including type, severity, and duration.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted with 100 patients diagnosed with CDH and 100 controls.
• Participants were assessed for iron deficiency anemia using standard laboratory parameters.
• CDH subtypes were classified according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition.

Main Results:

• Iron deficiency anemia was diagnosed in 51% of patients with CDH.
• IDA showed a significant independent association with CDH (p < 0.001).
• Severe IDA was significantly associated with increased CDH severity (p = 0.021).
• Serum iron, ferritin, TIBC, and transferrin saturation were also significantly associated with CDH.

Conclusions:

• Iron deficiency anemia is an independent risk factor for chronic daily headache.
• The severity of iron deficiency anemia correlates with the severity of chronic daily headache.
• These findings suggest that screening for IDA may be beneficial in patients with CDH.