Restless leg syndrome and migraine: Is there a common etiology?

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Some studies have shown that there is a relationship between restless legs syndrome (RLS) and migraine. Our aim in this study is to investigate the relationship between RLS and migraine and the connection between their etiologies. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 109 RLS patients and 105 healthy individuals. Demographic parameters, migraine comorbidity, characteristics of RLS, as well as biochemical and hemogram parameters were examined in the study subjects. Results: The mean age of the RLS patients was 44.28±10.50 years and 38.84% suffered from migraine headaches. RLS was significantly more severe in patients with migraine. Compared to a control group of normal subjects, serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, and iron were significantly lower in RLS patients with or without migraine. The platelet counts, platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly higher in RLS patients without migraine compared to the control group (p<0.05) Conclusion: RLS was more severe in patients with comorbid migraine. Vitamin D, calcium, and iron levels were significantly lower and inflammation markers were higher in all RLS patients. We think that further investigation of the underlying mechanisms of these two diseases and the results of population- based studies will enable clearer diagnosis and effective treatment of RLS and migraine in the future.