Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2025
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Increased serum prolactin level may indicate more migraine attack frequency
Mansoureh Togha1,2, Shiva Nematgorgani1, Zeinab Ghorbani3,4
1Headache Department, Iranian Centre of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Objectives:
Migraine is a common, multifactorial disorder. The exact pathomechanism of migraine remains unclear. Studies have revealed changes in serum prolactin (PRL) levels in relation to migraine, although the results have been inconsistent. The present case-control study assessed the serum level of prolactin in migraine patients.
Materials And Methods:
In this case-control study, participants were divided into chronic migraine (CM; n = 39), episodic migraine in ictal (during an attack), and interictal (between attacks) phases (n = 63, n = 37, respectively) along with 30 age- and sex-matched headache-free controls. After obtaining demographic, anthropometric data, and headache characteristics, blood samples were gathered and analyzed to evaluate the serum levels of prolactin (ng/mL).
Results:
A significant difference was observed between the control, CM, and ictal EM, and interictal EM groups. The mean ± SD serum prolactin levels of the chronic migraineurs (1.82 ± 0.94) and those with ictal EM (1.93 ± 1.70) were comparable and were significantly higher than for interictal EM patients (0.82 ± 0.46) and the headache-free control subjects (0.49 ± 0.15; p < .001). Although the mean serum concentration of prolactin for the interictal EM group tended to be higher than for control individuals, this difference was not statistically significant. The Spearman's correlation test also showed significant correlations between the serum prolactin levels and the number of headaches days among migraineurs.
Conclusion:
The findings suggest that there might be an association between increased prolactin concentrations and migraine headache induction and progression. Further detailed and well-designed studies are needed to confirm the importance of serum prolactin levels in the pathogenesis of migraine headaches.
Insights
Serum prolactin (PRL) levels were significantly higher in chronic migraine and during episodic migraine attacks compared to between attacks or in controls. Elevated PRL may be linked to migraine progression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Migraine is a complex neurological disorder with unclear mechanisms.
- Previous studies show inconsistent findings regarding serum prolactin (PRL) levels in migraine patients.
Observation:
- This case-control study compared serum prolactin levels in chronic migraine (CM), episodic migraine (EM) during ictal and interictal phases, and headache-free controls.
- Blood samples were analyzed for serum prolactin concentrations (ng/mL).
Findings:
- Serum prolactin levels were significantly elevated in CM and ictal EM groups compared to interictal EM and control groups (p < .001).
- Interictal EM prolactin levels were higher than controls, but not significantly.
- A correlation was found between serum prolactin levels and headache frequency in migraineurs.
Implications:
- Increased prolactin concentrations may be associated with migraine induction and progression.
- Further research is needed to validate the role of serum prolactin in migraine pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Major Hormones and Their Functions
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and...
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...