Migraine and frequent tension-type headache are not associated with multiple sclerosis in a Norwegian case-control study

M W Gustavsen; E G Celius; B S Winsvold; S M Moen; G O Nygaard; P Berg-Hansen; B A Lie; J-A Zwart; H F Harbo

doi:10.1177/2055217316682976

Migraine and frequent tension-type headache are not associated with multiple sclerosis in a Norwegian case-control study

Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin. 2016 Dec 12:2:2055217316682976. doi: 10.1177/2055217316682976. eCollection 2016 Jan-Dec.

Authors

M W Gustavsen¹, E G Celius¹, B S Winsvold¹, S M Moen¹, G O Nygaard¹, P Berg-Hansen¹, B A Lie², J-A Zwart¹, H F Harbo¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway.
² Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Norway.

Abstract

Background: Inconsistent results have been obtained with regard to headache comorbidity in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective: Investigate the one-year prevalence of migraine and tension-type headache (TTH) in Norwegian MS patients and relate this to clinical parameters.

Methods: A questionnaire concerning headache was administered to 756 MS patients and 1090 controls and used to determine the one-year prevalence of migraine and frequent TTH.

Results: No significant differences were seen between patients and controls or between patients with different disease course. Less migraine was observed in patients with Expanded Disability Status Scale score (EDSS) ≥4.0.

Conclusions: This case-control study does not support an association between migraine or TTH and MS.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; case-control study; migraine; tension-type headache.