Bidirectional Associations Between Migraine and Psoriasis

According to a study published in the Journal of the German Society of Dermatology, there are significant bidirectional associations between migraine and psoriasis.

Researchers aimed to evaluate the association between psoriasis and migraine by analyzing MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to review relevant observational studies from inception to May 1, 2022. Additionally, they conducted a random-effects model meta-analysis to calculate the risk estimates between psoriasis and migraine. They also performed a sensitivity analysis, including only studies with adjusted risk estimates, and a subgroup analysis related to the severity of psoriasis.

The analysis consisted of 9 studies with roughly 6 million participants, which showcased increased odds for prevalent migraine among patients with psoriasis. Results also showed increased odds for prevalent psoriasis among patients with migraine. In a subgroup analysis of cohort studies, a heightened risk of incident migraine in patients with mild and severe psoriasis was demonstrated.

“This meta-analysis revealed significant bidirectional associations between migraine and psoriasis,” the authors stated, “Clinicians should evaluate symptoms of migraine in patients with psoriasis and provide proper treatments.”

Reference
Huang IH, Hung WK, Chi CC. Bidirectional associations between psoriasis and migraine: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. Published online April 17, 2023. doi:10.1111/ddg.14994