Researchers of a study found a significant increase in the prevalence of headache and migraine among patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The research revealed that patients with these inflammatory joint diseases experienced headaches at a higher rate than healthy controls, but this increase was not associated with higher levels of measurable pain. However, a correlation was observed between headache incidence and a greater number of tender and swollen joints, alongside higher inflammation and functional status index scores. This suggests a connection between the systemic inflammation of spondyloarthritis and the mechanisms leading to the development of headaches and migraines.
Researchers enrolled 216 patients with PsA, 70 patients with axSpA, and 87 healthy controls. Headache and migraine diagnoses were based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria after a diagnostic interview. Results showed a 39.81% prevalence of headache in those with PsA, significantly higher than the 26.44% in healthy controls, and a 45.71% prevalence in those with axSpA. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness of migraine and headache risks in rheumatologic patients, and the development of therapies that address both their rheumatologic and neurological symptoms.
Reference: Lapoce C. Headache, Migraine Burden Significant in Psoriatic Arthritis, Axial Spondyloarthritis. HCPLive. Published February 28, 2024. Accessed March 18, 2024. https://www.hcplive.com/view/headache-migraine-burden-significant-psoriatic-arthritis-axial-spondyloarthritis
