Migraine and Immunoglobulin E-mediated Hypersensitivity

Objectives: Type 1 and type 3 hypersensitivity reactions are thought to play a role in migraine. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) production by plasma cells plays a central role in allergy and type 1 hypersensitivity. We aimed to detect a change in IgE levels in patients with migraine during attack and during the interictal period, and thus to determine if IgE-mediated hypersensitivity and allergic background are important factors in the etiology of migraine.Method: In this study, we included 46 patients (43 females, 3 males), admitted to neurology outpatient clinic and diagnosed as migraine according to the International Headache Society criteria, and 41 (38 females and 3 males) age- and gender-matched healthy controls. IgE levels of the patients were measured both during attack and during interictal period and were compared with IgE levels of controls. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The IgE levels of atopic patients with migraine were higher during attacks in comparison to the interictal period. The median IgE level of patients who experienced more than 2 attacks in one month was significantly higher than the median IgE level of patients who experienced 2 or less attacks per month. Discussion: Atopic diseases may occur frequently in patients with migraine and the IgE levels in patients with migraine may be higher than the levels seen during the interictal period. More frequent attacks are associated with higher IgE levels during attacks. Thus, avoidance of allergic conditions may be beneficial in decreasing the frequency of migraine attacks. (Arc-hi-ves of Neu-ropsy-chi-atry 2012;49: 129-132)