# Investigating the relationship between vasovagal syncope and migraine: a case-control study among Lebanese patients

## TL;DR

This study finds a strong link between migraines and vasovagal syncope in Lebanese patients, especially among women.

## Contribution

The study identifies a threefold increased odds of vasovagal syncope in migraine patients in a Middle Eastern population.

## Key findings

- Migraine patients had nearly three times higher odds of vasovagal syncope compared to controls.
- Gender differences were significant, with females showing higher susceptibility to both conditions.
- MIDAS scores were not significantly correlated with vasovagal syncope, indicating complex autonomic dysfunction.

## Abstract

Background: This study investigates the association between migraines
and vasovagal syncope (VVS), focusing on shared autonomic dysfunction mechanisms
in a Middle Eastern population. Methods: Using a case-control design,
163 participants (57 with migraines and 106 controls) were assessed through
validated tools, including the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and Patient
Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). Results: Multivariable analyses results
demonstrated a significant association between migraines and VVS, with migraine
patients exhibiting nearly threefold higher odds of VVS. Gender differences were
pronounced, with females displaying higher susceptibility. Additional drug use
and comorbid conditions were also significant factors. Interestingly, the MIDAS
score was not found to be significantly correlated with VVS, highlighting the
intricacy of autonomic dysfunction. Conclusions: These findings
underline that screening for autonomic dysfunction must be conducted in migraine
patients and that gender-specific approaches should be adopted in their clinical
management. Further research is needed to study the causative pathways and to
validate these findings in a large and varied population.