# Diagnostic value of combined detection of serum NLR and CRP for migraine patients in the attack stage: A prospective study

## TL;DR

This study shows that combining blood markers NLR and CRP can help diagnose migraines during an attack.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates that combining NLR and CRP improves diagnostic accuracy for migraines during the attack stage.

## Key findings

- Serum CRP and NLR levels were significantly higher in migraine patients during attacks compared to healthy individuals.
- Combining CRP and NLR detection improved diagnostic accuracy compared to using either marker alone.

## Abstract

We attempted to clarify the diagnostic value of combined detection of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) for migraine patients in the attack stage.

A total of 50 migraine patients in the attack stage undergoing treatment in our hospital from June 2023 to June 2024 were chosen as the observation group. Additionally, 50 healthy individuals undergoing physical examination in our hospital were chosen as the control group. We adopted questionnaires to obtain detailed demographic data, medical history, and disease characteristics of patients. The patients and healthy examinees received routine blood tests without prior medication within 3 hours after admission. The absolute values of neutrophils (N) and lymphocytes (L) were obtained, followed by calculation of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). The serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level was measured using immuno-nephelometry. The diagnostic value of NLR and serum CRP for migraine was analysed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

The serum CRP and NLR levels were significantly higher in the observation group compared with the control group (P< 0.05). In the observation group, serum CRP and NLR levels in patients with migraine with aura were comparable to those in patients without aura, with no significant difference (P> 0.05). Similarly, differences in serum CRP and NLR levels between patients with frequent migraine attacks and those with infrequent attacks were not statistically significant (P> 0.05). Serum CRP or NLR alone could be used to diagnose migraine patients in the attack stage, and there was no significant difference between them in diagnostic accuracy (P= 0.633). However, combined detection of serum CRP and NLR showed a significantly higher diagnostic value than either marker alone.

The inflammatory biomarkers serum CRP and NLR were markedly elevated in migraine patients during the attack stage. The combination of serum CRP and NLR has diagnostic value in identifying migraine attacks.