Identification of Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio as a Unique Biomarker for Migraine Follow-up

Abstract

Aim: As in many chronic pain syndromes, self-reported pain is the main criterion used by clinicians assessing patients with migraine. However, it is subjective, and there is no reliable marker for follow-up, and it hinders adequate follow-up and treatment. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation of the NLR (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio) level, which is increased due to the neuroinflammatory process and oxidative stress, with the clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients, and to investigate its feasibility as an objective marker during follow-ups.Materials and Methods: Our study included one hundred migraine patients without aura who met the “The International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition” (ICHD-3) criteria. The demographic characteristics of all patients and the clinical features of migraine pain were obtained. In addition, blood NLR level and its correlation to these features were examined.Results: There was a significant and positive correlation between NLR level with disease duration and pain severity (r=0.43 p<0.001, r=0.76 p<0.001, respectively), however, it was independent of age, gender, and migraine subtypes (episodic/chronic) (p=0.48, p=0.14, p=0.13, respectively).Conclusions: Our study found a significant correlation between the NLR level and the clinical features of migraine patients, indicating that this easily accessible parameter may be a promising marker that can be used during the follow-up period.