Is Helicobacter pylori infection a risk factor for migraine? A case-control study.
BACKGROUND
The relation between Helicobacter pylori and Migraine and usefulness of the eradication treatment on headache is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine whether Helicobacter pylori infection is a risk factor for migraine and whether the eradication of the bacterium can reduce frequency, duration and severity of clinical attacks of the disease.


METHODS
A total 70 consecutive patients with migraine with aura and without aura who came to Gastroenterology polyclinic with various complaints were enrolled in the study and compared with a group of 60 matched controls. Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed by histopathological biopsies, which was taken by endoscopy (Olympus-GIFXQ240 endoscope). The diagnosis and classification of migraine was made according to the International Headache Society (IHS) criteria. We assessed the frequency, duration and severity of clinical attacks of migraine before and after eradication treatment. The eradication control of Helicobacter pylori was made by Helicobacter pylori fecal antigen test by PCR after 2 months.


RESULTS
Helicobacter pylori positiveness is more relevant in the migranous patients compared with controls. 84.6% of patients with eradication treatment and 75% of classically treated patients informed to get benefit from the treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Helicobacter pylori should be examined in migranous patients and eradication of the infection may be helpful for the treatment of the disease.
Tunca
Ayşe
A
Department of Neurology, Fatih University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey. etunca@e-kolay.net
Türkay
Cansel
C
Tekin
Oğuz
O
Kargili
Ayşe
A
Erbayrak
Mustafa
M
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015984:Causality; D015897:Comorbidity; D018450:Disease Progression; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents