Evaluation of hematological inflammatory parameters in patients with chronic migraine: a pilot study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48208/HeadacheMed.2026.8Palavras-chave:
Biomarkers, Blood cell count, Migraine disorders, HeadacheResumo
Introduction
Migraine is a prevalent and disabling neurological disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of severe, pulsating, unilateral headache accompanied by phonophobia, photophobia, nausea and/or vomiting. Its pathophysiology involves sterile inflammation within the cortex–meninges interface and activation of the trigeminal system. Despite its burden, there are still no laboratory biomarkers established in routine clinical practice for diagnosis, monitoring, or prognostic assessment.
Objective
To investigate the feasibility of complete blood count (CBC)–derived parameters and composite indices as potential biomarkers in migraine.
Methods
This retrospective case–control study included individuals aged 18–69 years with chronic migraine and age- and sex-matched controls without migraine. CBC parameters and combined indices were analyzed, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio (NMR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-to-monocyte ratio (PMR).
Results
Twenty-five patients with migraine and 29 controls were included. Patients with migraine had a significantly higher NMR compared with controls [11.42 (8.53–12.94) vs 7.76 (6.13–10.17); p=0.029]. No differences were observed in individual CBC parameters or in the other ratios evaluated.
Conclusion
These findings suggest a predominance of neutrophil-related activity in migraine-associated inflammation. Larger, prospective studies are needed to validate the diagnostic and prognostic value of NMR.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Aline Vitali-Silva, Matheus Marengoni Silva, Victor Mateus Pavão, Isabelly Novaski Franco, Maria Fernanda Possari Vitro, Caroline Zapelini, Luiz Araujo Netto, Lia Maki Hatisuka Imai, Dilter José Picin Correa de Oliveira (Author)
Este trabalho está licenciado sob uma licença Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
