Migraine and restless legs syndrome in men. (January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Winter, Anke C; Schürks, Markus; Berger, Klaus; Buring, Julie E; Gaziano, J Michael; Kurth, Tobias
• Is Part Of: Cephalalgia. Volume 33:Number 2(2013)
• Page Start: 130
• Page End: 135
• Publication Date: 2013-01
• Subjects: Migraine -- restless legs syndrome -- cross-sectional study -- epidemiology; Headache -- Periodicals; 616.8491
• DOI: 10.1177/0333102412466965
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0333-1024

Abstract

Background: Previous studies suggest an association between migraine and restless legs syndrome (RLS). Population-based data, however, have been limited to women. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between migraine and RLS in a male cohort. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 22, 926 participants in the Physicians' Health Study. Migraine and RLS information was self-reported. RLS was classified according to four minimal diagnostic criteria. Age- and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were calculated. Results: Of the 22, 926 participants (mean age 67.8), 2816 (12.3%) reported migraine and 1717 (7.5%) RLS. Migraine was associated with an increased multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) of 1.20 (1.04–1.38) for having RLS. The association remained stable after excluding men with potential mimics of RLS and was not modified by age. Conclusions: Results of our study indicate an association between migraine and RLS in men. The magnitude of effect is similar to what has been reported in women.