Evaluation of patients who presented to the neurology outpatient clinic in a level 3 hospital with headache complaints

Migraine and tension-type headache (TTH) are among the most commonly encountered headache types in the general population. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folic acid levels in patients with migraine and TTH, as well as to evaluate their neuroimaging findings. A total of 325 patients who presented with headache complaints to the Neurology Outpatient Clinic of Abant Izzet Baysal University Training and Research Hospital over the course of one year were included in the study, comprising 146 patients with TTH and 179 with migraine. The diagnoses of migraine and TTH were made according to the latest beta version of the International Classification of Headache Disorders by the International Headache Society (IHS). Vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folic acid levels were assessed in these patients, and their neuroimaging findings were reviewed. The patients ranged in age from 18 to 65 years, with a mean age of 40.78±12.91. The migraine group consisted of 156 females and 23 males, with a mean age of 43. The TTH group consisted of 112 females and 34 males, with a mean age of 39. Although no statistically significant differences were found between the migraine and TTH groups in terms of serum folic acid and vitamin B12 levels, both groups exhibited low serum vitamin D levels. This deficiency was notably more prevalent among female patients compared to males. Our study also found that most neuroimaging results in these patient groups were reported as normal. Pathological findings on imaging were more frequently observed in female patients, who also had a higher average age. Vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folic acid supplements are considered to potentially be effective as part of prophylactic treatments aimed at preventing attacks in patients with TTH and migraine. Furthermore, it appears that laboratory tests and neuroimaging may not be strictly necessary for the diagnosis of primary headache disorders, and that unnecessary testing should be avoided. Keywords: Headache, Migraine, Tension-Type Headache, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, MRI/CT