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Dysautonomia, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome as Migraine Comorbidities

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Dysautonomia refers to the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system and encompasses a wide variety of autonomic symptoms and disorders. The most common autonomic disorders are postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS), and orthostatic hypotension (OH), which may be encountered in clinical practice as part of a triad of dysautonomia, hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Migraine is one of the most common comorbidities of POTS, HSD, and MCAS; conversely, these conditions are also prevalent in patients with migraine, especially in those with multiple systemic symptoms, such as chronic dizziness, lightheadedness, orthostatic intolerance, joint pain, and allergic symptoms. Diagnostic criteria, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and therapeutic considerations in patients with migraine and comorbid dysautonomia, HSD, and MCAS are reviewed.

Recent Findings

Numerous studies indicate a significant overlap and shared pathophysiology in migraine, dysautonomia, HSD, and MCAS. In clinical setting, dysautonomia, HSD, and MCAS may present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in patients with migraine and require a high index of suspicion on the part of the neurologist.

Summary

Diagnosis and treatment of these complex disorders in patients with migraine is essential to comprehensive patient-centric care, reduced symptom burden, and improved functional impairment secondary to both migraine and comorbidities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA

    Svetlana Blitshteyn

  2. Dysautonomia Clinic, 300 International Drive, Suite 100, Williamsville, NY, 14221, USA

    Svetlana Blitshteyn

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Blitshteyn, S. Dysautonomia, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome as Migraine Comorbidities. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 23, 769–776 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-023-01307-w

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