Migraine in aspirin-sensitive asthmatics.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of migraine in aspirin-sensitive asthmatics, and was performed in 46 aspirin-sensitive asthmatic patients (ASA). The control group consisted of 46 asthmatics without aspirin sensitivity. In all patients allergological and laryngological examinations were performed and histories concerning the occurrence of migraine were collected. Twenty one (45.7%) of aspirin-sensitive asthmatic patients suffered from migraine, 5 from classical migraine and 1 from dietary migraine. In the control group migraine was found in only 6 (13%) persons. A family history of migraine was positive in 11 (52.4%) asthmatics with aspirin-sensitivity and migraine and in only 1 (17%) patient with migraine but without aspirin-sensitivity. The authors conclude that the high incidence of migraine in aspirin-sensitive asthmatics may be related to a defect in their arachidonic acid metabolism.