Platelet activation in muscle contraction headache and migraine.

In migraine, the role of platelets is regarded as an important factor. We investigated plasma beta-thromboglobulin (BTG), platelet factor 4 (PF4), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in migraine patients and muscle contraction headache (MCH) patients during headache-free periods. The mean values of the plasma BTG, PF4, and 5-HT concentrations in the migraine group and the MCH group were significantly higher than those in healthy controls. The mean value of the plasma BTG concentration was significantly higher in the migraine group than in the MCH group, but the differences in the mean plasma PF4 and 5-HT concentrations between the two groups were not significant. Continuous platelet activation exists in both MCH patients and migraine patients. From the biochemical point of view, we have provided evidence for a similarity between migraine and MCH.