# Increased Prevalence of Headaches and Migraine in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis and Axial Spondyloarthritis: Insights from an Italian Cohort Study

## TL;DR

This study finds that people with psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis experience headaches and migraines more often than healthy individuals.

## Contribution

The study reveals a novel association between psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, and increased prevalence of migraine without aura.

## Key findings

- Headache prevalence was significantly higher in PsA and axSpA patients compared to healthy controls.
- Migraine without aura was more common in PsA and axSpA patients than in healthy controls.
- The findings suggest a need for better headache and migraine management in PsA and axSpA patients.

## Abstract

Background: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are inflammatory diseases with shared genetic backgrounds and clinical comorbidities. Headache, a common global health issue, affects over 50% of adults and encompasses various types, including migraine, tension-type, and cluster headaches. Migraine, the most prevalent, recurrent, and disabling type, is often associated with other medical conditions such as depression, epilepsy, and psoriasis, but little is known about the relationship between autoimmune disease and the risk of migraine. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2022, enrolling 286 participants, including 216 with PsA, 70 with axSpA, and 87 healthy controls. Results: Headache prevalence was significantly higher in the PsA (39.81%) and axSpA (45.71%) patients compared to the healthy controls. The prevalence of migraine without aura was also significantly higher in both the PsA (18.52%) and axSpA (28.57%) groups compared to the healthy controls. Conclusions: These findings underscore the high burden of headache and migraine in PsA and axSpA participants, highlighting the need for improved management and treatment strategies for these patients.