Peripheral endothelial function and arterial stiffness in patients with chronic migraine: a case–control study

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a complex and disabilitating neurovascular disorder predominantly affecting women. There is strong evidence that nitric oxide is critically involved in migraine pathophysiology. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that chronic migraine is associated with ultrasonographic endothelial dysfunction and increase in arterial stiffness. These parameters were assessed using a novel plethysmograph by peripheral arterial tonometry. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with chronic migraine and twenty-one healthy controls matched by sex and gender were recruited. Measurement of the ultrasonographic endothelial function and augmentation index were made according to manufacturer’s protocol. RESULTS: The mean of patient’s peripheral arterial tonometry ratios was 1.93 ± 0.39 and for healthy control 2.21 ± 0.44 (p = 0.040). The median of patients’ augmentation index was −6,0 (IQR: 6.5 to −15) in healthy controls and 9.0 (IQR: 4 to 12) in chronic migraine, (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with chronic migraine have ultrasonographic endothelial dysfunction and increase in the arterial stiffness. An improved understanding of the role in the endothelial system of migraine may provide a basis for preventive drugs in migraine and restore the endothelial function.