Objective:

The findings from cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with migraines were assessed to document the type, frequency, and pathological characteristics of the detected lesions.

Methods:

A total of 105 migraine patients (79 female, 26 male; mean age: 34.04±11.93 years) presenting with headaches and normal neurological findings who had undergone a cranial MRI examination were included. The diagnosis of migraine was based on the revised criteria of the International Headache Society. Of the participants, 23 and 82 had migraines with and without aura, respectively. The clinical characteristics, cranial imaging indications, and MRI results were recorded and evaluated. Chi-square and independent t-tests were used for statistical comparisons. A p-level of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The mean duration of illness was 7.02±6.2 years. The average monthly number of migraine episodes was 6.61±1.73. Fifty-three patients had normal cranial MRIs, while 52 were found to have lesions, most of which were of a benign character.

Conclusion:

In this retrospective study of MRIs in patients with migraine, coincidental structural lesions comprised the majority of the findings in MRI. In patients presenting with severe headaches, cranial imaging appears to be necessary to exclude other organic causes and to detect other treatable pathological conditions, even if the clinical findings are suggestive of a migraine attack. Detection and treatment of coexisting pathological conditions might not only help alleviate the chronic headaches, but might also reduce the frequency of migraine episodes.

Keywords: Migraine, imaging, MRI