A study on the correlation between pain frequency and severity and vitamin B12 levels in episodic and chronic migraine

ABSTRACT

Background It is believed that vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia cause endothelial cell damage by increasing the levels of free oxygen radicals, which may, in turn, be related to the onset of migraine episodes. Objective The objective of our study was to ascertain a correlation between vitamin B12 levels and migraine attack frequency and pain severity. Methods 127 patients with migraine and 45 healthy controls who presented to Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital were included in the study. The migraine attack frequency and the duration and severity of pain in migraineurs were recorded. Pain severity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Vitamin B12 levels below 300 ng/L were considered low. Results The vitamin B12 levels in migraineurs were found to be significantly lower than those in the control group (227.30 ± 104.72 ng/L vs 278.44 ± 149.83 ng/L; p = 0.047). The vitamin B12 levels of patients with chronic migraine (CM) were found to be lower than those in patients with less frequent migraine attacks (197.50 ± 69.16 ng/L vs 278.56 ± 147.91 ng/L; p = 0.019). The ratio of vitamin B12 levels of 300 ng/L and above in patients with CM was lower than that of patients with episodic migraine (p < 0.05). Conclusions Along with attack frequency and pain severity assessment, it is important that migraine follow-ups should include regular measurement of vitamin B12 levels. We found lower vitamin B12 values in the CM group.

RESUMO

Antecedentes Acredita-se que a deficiência de vitamina B12 e a hiper-homocisteinemia causem danos às células endoteliais pelo aumento dos níveis de radicais livres de oxigênio, o que pode, por sua vez, estar relacionado ao aparecimento de episódios de enxaqueca. Objetivo O objetivo do nosso estudo foi verificar a correlação entre os níveis de vitamina B12 e a frequência e a gravidade da dor nas crises de enxaqueca. Métodos 127 pacientes com enxaqueca e 45 controles saudáveis que se apresentaram ao Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital foram incluídos no estudo. A frequência das crises de enxaqueca, bem como a duração e a gravidade da dor nos pacientes foram registradas. A gravidade da dor foi avaliada usando-se uma escala visual analógica (EVA). Níveis de vitamina B12 abaixo de 300 ng/L foram considerados baixos. Resultados Os níveis de vitamina B12 em pacientes com enxaqueca foram significativamente menores do que os do grupo controle (227,30 ± 104,72 ng/L vs 278,44 ± 149,83 ng/L; p = 0,047). Os níveis de vitamina B12 de pacientes com enxaqueca crônica (EC) foram menores do que aqueles em pacientes com crises de enxaqueca menos frequentes (197,50 ± 69,16 ng/L vs 278,56 ± 147,91 ng/L; p = 0,019). A proporção dos níveis de vitamina B12 de 300 ng/L e acima em pacientes com EC foi menor do que a de pacientes com enxaqueca episódica (p < 0,05). Conclusões Juntamente com a avaliação da frequência das crises e da gravidade da dor, é importante que o acompanhamento da enxaqueca inclua a medição regular dos níveis de vitamina B12, pois encontramos valores mais baixos de vitamina B12 no grupo EC.

Keywords:

Migraine Disorders - Headache, Vitamin B 12 - Homocysteine

Palavras-chave:

Transtornos de Enxaqueca - Cefaleia - Vitamina B 12 - Homocisteína

Publication History

Received: 14 May 2021

Accepted: 11 October 2021

Article published online:
06 February 2023

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