Abstract Details

Title Risk Factors for Headache Frequency in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Topic Multiple Sclerosis

Presentation(s) P1 - Poster Session 1 (11:45 AM-12:45 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 1-001

Objective To identify clinical risk factors for increased headache frequency in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

Background PwMS are more likely to experience headaches than the general population. However, risk factors for headache frequency in the MS population are not well established, and elucidating clinical risk factors for more frequent headaches is crucial for identifying those who may need treatment.

Design/Methods We used multivariate logistic regression to examine relationships between demographic and clinical data, MS severity indicators, and self-reported headache frequency in PwMS. We report odds ratios (OR) for experiencing at least one headache per month and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results We included 241 PwMS; 55.6% reported at least one headache per month. Female sex (OR, 2.56; 95% CI 1.35-4.88; p=0.004), non-white race (OR, 3.65; 95% CI 1.30-10.30; p=0.014), depression (OR, 1.78; 95% CI 1.01-3.16; p=0.046), history of tobacco use (OR, 1.91; 95% CI 1.08-3.38; p=0.026), and MS family history (OR, 2.59; 95% CI 1.24-5.41; p=0.012) all significantly increase risk of experiencing monthly headaches in PwMS, while higher EDSS decreases risk (OR, 0.83; 95% CI 0.70-0.98; p=0.031). Age, medication possession ratio (a measure of MS treatment history), and MS duration did were not significantly associated with monthly headaches in our cohort.

Conclusions In conclusion, non-white race, female sex, depression, tobacco use, and MS family history significantly increase the risk of monthly headaches in PwMS, while higher EDSS decreases risk. The association with non-white race highlights another disparity within this population, emphasizing the role of social drivers of health in headache risk. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and proactive screening in those with these headache risk factors.

Authors/Disclosures
Alexandra R. Balshi PRESENTER	Ms. Balshi has nothing to disclose.
John Dempsey, BA (SUNY Upstate Medical University)	Mr. Dempsey has nothing to disclose.
Nova Manning	Miss Manning has nothing to disclose.
Jacob A. Sloane, MD, PhD (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center)	Dr. Sloane has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for biogen. Dr. Sloane has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Genentech. Dr. Sloane has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Sanofi.

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