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Cerebrospinal Fluid Sodium Increases in Migraine
Author(s) -
Harrington Michael G.,
Fonteh Alfred N.,
Cowan Robert P.,
Perrine Kathy,
Pogoda Janice M.,
Biringer Roger G.,
Hühmer Andreas F.R.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
headache: the journal of head and face pain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.14
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1526-4610
pISSN - 0017-8748
DOI - 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00445.x
Subject(s) - cerebrospinal fluid , sodium , medicine , chemistry , endocrinology , calcium , migraine , lumbar puncture , aura , sodium channel , organic chemistry
Background.—Pharmaceuticals with calcium‐ or sodium‐channel‐blocking activity have proven useful for migraine prophylaxis, and calcium channel, sodium transporter, and sodium channel gene mutations have been found in familial hemiplegic migraine. However, it is not known whether calcium or sodium homeostasis is altered in migraine. Objective.—To compare levels of sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood plasma between migraineurs and controls. Methods.—We recruited 20 migraineurs without aura and 11 controls prospectively, and studied migraineurs in sick (MH + ) and well (MH − ) states. We collected lumbar CSF and venous blood plasma, quantified elements with ion‐selective electrodes or colorimetry, and determined osmolality by depression of freezing point. We compared levels of Na + , Ca 2+ , K + , and Mg among and also within subjects who were studied in both MH + and MH − states. Results.—Mean CSF Na + levels were increased by 3 mmol/L in MH + compared with MH − and by 4 mmol/L compared to controls ( P < 0.005). In 4 subjects who were sampled in both MH + and MH − states, mean CSF Na + concentration increased by 2 mmol/L in the MH + state compared with the MH − state ( P < 0.05). Simultaneous plasma Na + levels did not differ among the 3 clinical groups, nor did osmolality, total Ca and Ca 2+ , K + , and total Mg levels in CSF. Conclusions.—Compared to both controls and the MH − state, CSF Na + concentration increased in MH + independently from other clinical or pharmacological fluctuations, CSF concentrations of Ca 2+ , Mg, and K + , and blood plasma Na + levels. These results implicate a deviation of Na + homeostasis in migraine. The modestly elevated extracellular Na + in MH + may cause the neural changes that underlie clinical features of migraine.