Exploring the Link between Migraine and Craniovertebral Junction Angles in Adolescents
Zeynep Ziroglu, Tugba Uyar Cankay, Zeynep Nilüfer Tekin
A
BSTRACT
Introduction:
Studies investigating the relationship between migraine and craniovertebral junction (CVJ) morphometric features in children are limited. In this study, we investigated morphologic changes in CVJ angles and the co-relationship between the presence of cerebellar tonsil ectopia (CTE) and clinical characteristics (frequency, severity) in the pediatric population with a diagnosis of migraine.
Methods:
Data from 101 pediatric participants were compared (30 with episodic migraine [EM], 33 with chronic migraine [CM], and 38 healthy participants). Magnetic resonance imaging of the participants was analyzed, and clivus canal angle (CCA), cranio-cervical tilt angle (CCT), Boogard angle (BA), Welcher basal angle (WBA), and Basion-opistion McRae line length were measured. The presence of CTE was recorded. Participants in the CM group were administered a Visual Analog Scale to assess the severity of pain and the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) to assess the level of its effect.
Results:
The measured angles (CCA, CCT, BA, WBA, and MCL) were not statistically different in any of the three groups (
Conclusion:
This study suggests that parameters such as severity of headache, triggers, and disabling effects should be taken into consideration when distinguishing between EM and CM in children. Supporting the diagnostic process with objective data will be beneficial in terms of correctly distinguishing clinical subtypes and choosing appropriate treatment options (such as neuromodulation).