Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2025
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
The Prevalence of Migraine in Children Diagnosed with Familial Mediterranean Fever
Yiğithan Güzin1, Safa Mete Dağdaş1, Gamze Sarıkaya Uzan1
1Department of Pediatric Neurology, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Izmir, Türkiye.
Purpose:
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and serositis, caused by mutations in the MEFV gene. Inflammatory pathways associated with FMF are linked to increased proinflammatory cytokines, which may be related to primary headaches, including migraine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of migraine and other primary headaches in FMF patients.
Methods:
In this retrospective study, the medical records of FMF patients were analyzed. Demographic data, MEFV gene mutations, and headache histories were collected. The frequency of migraine was compared among patients with these mutations, and statistical analyses were conducted.
Results:
The study included 148 FMF patients, comprising 56.1% females and 43.9% males, with a mean age of 11.3 ± 3.7 years. A family history of FMF was reported in 77.7% of patients, and 35.8% had a family history of migraine. Headaches were reported in 52.7% of patients: 24.3% non-specific, 15.5% tension-type, and 12.8% migraine. Of those with migraine, 8.1% had migraine with aura, and 4.7% without aura. Headaches were more frequently frontal in patients under 12 years of age and temporal in those aged ≥12 years (p = 0.011). The most common genetic mutations were M694V heterozygous and homozygous, with M694V and E148Q mutations linked to more frequent migraines, although not statistically significant.
Conclusion:
FMF patients should be screened for primary headaches, particularly migraine. The high frequency of migraine observed in this study suggests that clinicians should particularly consider migraine as a diagnosis in headache episodes experienced by FMF patients.
Insights
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients frequently experience primary headaches, with migraine being a significant concern. This suggests FMF patients should be screened for headaches, especially migraine.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Neurology
- Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent fever and serositis, stemming from mutations in the MEFV gene.
- Elevated proinflammatory cytokines in FMF may be implicated in primary headache disorders, such as migraine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of migraine and other primary headaches in individuals diagnosed with Familial Mediterranean fever.
- To analyze the relationship between MEFV gene mutations and headache presentation in FMF patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records from 148 Familial Mediterranean fever patients.
- Collection of demographic data, MEFV gene mutation details, and headache history.
- Statistical comparison of migraine frequency across different MEFV mutations.
Main Results:
- Headaches were reported by 52.7% of FMF patients, including non-specific, tension-type, and migraine headaches.
- Migraine was diagnosed in 12.8% of patients, with migraine with aura in 8.1% and without aura in 4.7%.
- Headache location varied by age, and certain MEFV mutations (M694V, E148Q) showed a trend towards increased migraine frequency.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of Familial Mediterranean fever patients suffer from primary headaches, particularly migraine.
- Clinicians should consider screening FMF patients for primary headaches, with a specific focus on diagnosing migraine.
