Frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism in 5- to 15-year-old children with migraine headache

Abstract

Based on the results of this study, subclinical hypothyroidism was as an exacerbating factor for migraine headache. Therefore, it is logical to check the thyroid function tests in migraineur children.

Headache Disorders May Be a Risk Factor for the Development of New Onset Hypothyroidism

“…Most studies have reported an increased prevalence of hypothyroidism in persons with headache disorders . Many of these studies however have important methodological limitations.…”

“…Many of these studies however have important methodological limitations. First, many of the past studies used clinic‐based samples, which may not be representative of the general population. Second, some studies relied upon patient self‐report instead of hormone levels to establish a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, which may not provide an accurate diagnosis of the condition .…”

“…Second, some studies relied upon patient self‐report instead of hormone levels to establish a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, which may not provide an accurate diagnosis of the condition . Third, all of the past studies were cross‐sectional and, therefore, unable to assess the direction of the association . Fourth, covariates associated with hypothyroidism (eg, smoking, gender, medications) were not controlled for in many of the analyses …”

Surgical management of neck pain and headache associated with pediatric hashimoto's thyroiditis

“…In 2012, Fallah et al performed a cross‐sectional study of children and adolescent migraineurs ages 5 to 15 years to determine the frequency of hypothyroidism in this population. They found approximately one‐quarter of the patients to have some degree of hypothyroidism and believed it to be an exacerbating factor for headaches . Another study by the same group found treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism with levothyroxine significantly decreased the frequency and severity of headaches in 25 pediatric migraineurs over 2 months…”

The debate on treating subclinical hypothyroidism

“…Small cross-sectional studies by Fallah et al and Ekici et al offered conflicting results in this regard. (131,132) …”