The change of neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio in migraine attacks: A case-controlled study

OBJECTIVE: As commonly seen symptoms, headaches are among the most frequently encountered health challenges in emergency rooms by healthcare professionals. Among one of the most commonly seen and primary headaches is migraine. Migraines are mostly accompanied by functional deficits. AIMS: To observe the changes of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio occurring during migraine attacks. METHOD: This is a retrospective study where hospital records of patients previously diagnosed with migraine and admitted to the emergency with the complaints of attacks between May 2014 and January 2015 were investigated. All patients in the study were evaluated as to age, gender and complete blood count. Additionally, a healthy control group was formed with individuals with no disorders. By also evaluating the same features in the controls, the values found in the patients and controls alike were compared. RESULTS: The values of white blood cell, lymphocyte, neutrophil, hemoglobin, thrombocyte and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio determined in the patient group (n = 92) were statistically compared with those of the controls (n = 67). Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio during the attacks was found higher in the patients, compared to the controls. CONCLUSION: Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is a sign of inflammation, and we consider that this ratio will also increase during migraine attacks, as with other inflammatory and acute processes.