Could IBS Be Linked to Increase Migraine Risk?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be genetically linked to migraines and tension-type headaches (TTH), according to the results of a recent study.
Previous research has suggested that individuals with IBS experience more migraines and headaches than those without the disorder, but the relationship between the 2 conditions is unclear.
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To explore this association, researchers conducted a study of 107 patients with episodic migraine, 53 with episodic TTH, 107 with IBS, and 53 healthy controls.
Researchers examined whether patients with IBS showed signs of migraine or TTH, and whether those with migraine or TTH experienced symptoms of IBS.
Overall, 54.2% of those with migraine also had IBS, while only 28.3% of those with TTH had IBS, and 35.5% and 22.4% of those with IBS also had migraine and TTH, respectively.
After their analysis, researchers examined the presence of the serotonin transporter gene and serotonin receptor 2A gene among all patients. They found that patients with IBS, migraine, and TTH all had at least 1 differing gene from controls, suggesting a possible link between the 3 conditions.
“Our study suggests a high possibility of phenotypic and genotypic association between the IBS and primary headache disorders and supports the presence of some shared pathophysiological basis,” they concluded.
—Michael Potts
Reference:
Uluduz D. A link between migraine, tension type headache and irritable bowel syndrome: clinical and genetic indicators. Paper presented at: AAN 68th Annual Meeting. February 23, 2016. Minneapolis, MI.