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Clinical characteristics of headaches in an urban Mennonite group in South Brazil

Características clínicas das cefaleias em um grupo menonita urbano do sul do Brasil

Abstract

Background

Genetic variants play a pathophysiological role in headaches, especially in migraine. The Mennonite group (MG) has been geographically and genetically isolated throughout its history, harboring a distinctive distribution of diseases.

Objective

To determine the characteristics of headaches in a group with direct Mennonite ancestry contrasting with other urban community members (control group [CG]).

Methods

Subjects with headaches were asked to complete a questionnaire covering: the type of headache, presence of aura, frequency and duration of attacks, pain location and severity, analgesic consumption, premonitory and postdromic manifestations, Depressive Thoughts Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), General Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Migraine Disability Assessment, and Composite Autonomic System Score.

Results

We included 103 participants (CG: 45, Mennonite group [MG]: 58). Migraine was the most common headache (CG: 91.1%; MG: 81.0%; p = 0.172), followed by tension-type headache (CG: 8.9%; MG: 15.5%; p = 0.381). Aura was identified by 44.4% and 39.7% in the CG and MG, respectively (p = 0.689). The groups differed only concerning the frequency of retro-orbital pain (CG: 55.6%; MG: 32.8%; p = 0.027), PHQ-9 (CG: median 7, range 0 to 22; MG: median 5, range 0 to 19; p = 0.031) and ESS (CG: median 0, range 0 to 270; MG: median 0, range 0 to 108; p = 0.048) scores.

Conclusion

There were no major differences in the prevalence and clinical characterization of headaches between the MG and the CG. However, the latter showed more diffuse pain, sleepiness, and depressive symptoms. Specific genetic or epigenetic variants in Mennonite descendants might account for these differences.

Keywords
Reproductive Isolation; Migraine Disorders; Urban Population; Headache

Resumo

Antecedentes

Variantes genéticas desempenham um papel fisiopatológico nas cefaleias, especialmente na migrânea. O grupo menonita (GM) tem estado geográfica e geneticamente isolado ao longo de sua história, abrigando uma distribuição distinta de doenças.

Objetivo

Determinar as características das cefaleias em um grupo com ascendência menonita direta, comparando-as com as de outros membros da comunidade urbana (grupo controle [GC]).

Métodos

Participantes com cefaleia foram convidados a preencher um questionário abrangendo: tipo de cefaleia; presença de aura; frequência e duração dos ataques; localização e gravidade da dor; consumo de analgésicos; manifestações premonitórias e posdrômicas; Escala de Pensamentos Depressivos; Escala de Sonolência de Epworth (ESS); Transtorno de Ansiedade Geral-7 (GAD-7); Questionário de Saúde do Paciente-9 (PHQ-9); Avaliação de Incapacidade da Migrânea (MIDAS) e Escore do Sistema Autônomo Composto (COMPASS-31).

Resultados

Incluímos 103 participantes (GC: 45, GM: 58). A migrânea foi a cefaleia mais frequente (GC: 91,1%; GM: 81,0%; p = 0,172), seguida pela cefaleia tensional (GC: 8,9%; GM: 15,5%; p = 0,381). Aura foi identificada por 44,4% e 39,7% nos GC e GM, respectivamente (p = 0,689). Os grupos diferiram apenas com relação à frequência de dor retro-orbitária (GC: 55,6%; GM: 32,8%; p = 0,027), PHQ-9 (GC: mediana 7, amplitude 0 a 22; GM: mediana 5, amplitude 0 a 19; p = 0,031) e ESS (GC: mediana 0, amplitude 0 a 270; GM: mediana 0, amplitude 0 a 108; p = 0,048).

Conclusão

Não houve diferenças significativas na prevalência e caracterização clínica das cefaleias nos GM e GC. Entretanto, o último grupo mostrou mais dor difusa, sonolência e sintomas depressivos. Variantes genéticas ou epigenéticas específicas em descendentes de menonitas podem justificar tais diferenças.

Palavras-chave
Isolamento Reprodutivo; Transtornos de Enxaqueca; População Urbana; Cefaleia

INTRODUCTION

The Mennonites are an Anabaptist group of Frisian/Flemish origin that originated after the Protestant Reform in the 16th century. Advocating for a more radical reformation, including pacifism and the doctrine of adult baptism, the followers of the former priest Menno Simons were religiously and politically persecuted and thus ended up becoming an isolated population.11 Lopes FL, Hou L, Boldt ABW, et al. Finding rare, disease-associated variants in isolated groups: potential advantages of Mennonite populations. Hum Biol 2016;88(02):109–120 Genetic drift, reproductive isolation, and at least three bottleneck effects in this population are expected to increase the frequencies of homozygotes and rare alleles, changing the prevalence of chronic diseases.11 Lopes FL, Hou L, Boldt ABW, et al. Finding rare, disease-associated variants in isolated groups: potential advantages of Mennonite populations. Hum Biol 2016;88(02):109–12044 Pardo-Seco J, Llull C, Berardi G, et al. Genomic continuity of Argentinean Mennonites. Sci Rep 2016;6:36392 An example of this would be the higher prevalence of dystonia in the Amish, also an Anabaptist population.55 Saunders-Pullman R, Fuchs T, San Luciano M, et al. Heterogeneity in primary dystonia: lessons from THAP1, GNAL, and TOR1A in Amish-Mennonites. Mov Disord 2014;29(06):812–818

There are several different subgroups of Mennonites. The genetic epidemiology of complex and rare diseases and phenotypes have been described more extensively in the Amish and somewhat also in Canadian and Kansas Mennonites.66 Melton PE, Zlojutro M, Kimminau K, Crawford MH. Biological aging and Cox hazard analysis of mortality trends in a Mennonite community from south-central Kansas. Am J Hum Biol 2006;18 (03):387–401,77 Demarchi DA, Mosher MJ, Crawford MH. Apolipoproteins (apo-proteins) and LPL variation in Mennonite populations of Kansas and Nebraska. Am J Hum Biol 2005;17(05):593–600 In contrast, South American Mennonites are still epidemiologically poorly known, despite some advances regarding their genetic heritage.11 Lopes FL, Hou L, Boldt ABW, et al. Finding rare, disease-associated variants in isolated groups: potential advantages of Mennonite populations. Hum Biol 2016;88(02):109–120,44 Pardo-Seco J, Llull C, Berardi G, et al. Genomic continuity of Argentinean Mennonites. Sci Rep 2016;6:36392,88 Toscanini U, Brisighelli F, Llull C, et al. Charting the Y-chromosome ancestry of present-day Argentinean Mennonites. J Hum Genet 2016;61(06):507–513

About three billion people have tension-type headache (TTH) or migraine (1.89 and 1.04 billion, respectively), the most common headaches in the general population.99 GBD 2016 Headache Collaborators. Global, regional, and national burden of migraine and tension-type headache, 1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. Lancet Neurol 2018;17(11):954–976 Regarding prevalence, TTH is the third most frequent condition in the world and migraine is the sixth.1010 GBD 2016 Disease and Injury Incidence and Prevalence Collaborators. Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 328 diseases and injuries for 195 countries, 1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. Lancet 2017;390(10100):1211–1259 In Brazil, approximately 13% of the population suffers from TTH and 15.2% from migraine.1111 Queiroz LP, Peres MFP, Piovesan EJ, et al. A nationwide population-based study of tension-type headache in Brazil. Headache 2009; 49(01):71–78,1212 Queiroz LP, Peres MFP, Piovesan EJ, et al. A nationwide population-based study of migraine in Brazil. Cephalalgia 2009;29(06):642–649 This prevalence could be even higher in some subpopulations depending on factors such as the female gender and depression.1313 Vetvik KG, MacGregor EA. Sex differences in the epidemiology, clinical features, and pathophysiology of migraine. Lancet Neurol 2017;16(01):76–87

Headaches are a public health concern. Tension-type headache caused 7.2 million YLDs (years of life lived with disability) and migraine 45.1 million YLDs.99 GBD 2016 Headache Collaborators. Global, regional, and national burden of migraine and tension-type headache, 1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. Lancet Neurol 2018;17(11):954–976 While TTH tends to be more pervasive, migraine tends to be more severe and can progress through several stages. A premonitory phase could present with fatigue and stiff neck, among other symptoms, as the first manifestation.1414 Schoonman GG, Evers DJ, Terwindt GM, van Dijk JG, Ferrari MD. The prevalence of premonitory symptoms in migraine: a questionnaire study in 461 patients. Cephalalgia 2006;26(10):1209–1213 Second, an aura phase can be reported by a third of patients.1515 Lucas C. Migraine with aura. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2021;177(07): 779–784 Next, headache pain arises, accompanied by symptoms such as photophobia, phonophobia, osmophobia, allodynia, and vertigo. As the pain resolves, some symptoms persist in the final postdromic phase.1616 Giffin NJ, Lipton RB, Silberstein SD, Olesen J, Goadsby PJ. The migraine postdrome: An electronic diary study. Neurology 2016; 87(03):309–313

The exact molecular mechanisms responsible for migraine are still unclear. It has been suggested a role for neuropeptides such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)1717 Edvinsson L, Haanes KA, Warfvinge K, Krause DN. CGRP as the target of new migraine therapies - successful translation from bench to clinic. Nat Rev Neurol 2018;14(06):338–350 and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide1818 Edvinsson L, Tajti J, Szalárdy L, Vécsei L. PACAP and its role in primary headaches. J Headache Pain 2018;19(01):21 (PACAP-38) that cause vasodilation by the increase of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the smooth muscle of vessels and are found at higher levels in the peripheral blood during the attack. Furthermore, CGRP infused intravenously triggers a delayed migraine-like headache in patients with migraine without aura (MO).1919 Lassen LH, Haderslev PA, Jacobsen VB, Iversen HK, Sperling B, Olesen J. CGRP may play a causative role in migraine. Cephalalgia 2002;22(01):54–61

The phenotype of migraine might depend on genetic polymorphisms and epigenetic gene regulation. Migraine with aura (MA) and MO are associated with genetic variants that increase their risk.2020 Hautakangas H, Winsvold BS, Ruotsalainen SE, et al; International Headache Genetics Consortium HUNT All-in Headache Danish Blood Donor Study Genomic Cohort. Genome-wide analysis of 102,084 migraine cases identifies 123 risk loci and subtypespecific risk alleles. Nat Genet 2022;54(02):152–160 This relationship is more robust in rarer forms of the disease, such as familial hemiplegic migraine, but is also found in MA and, to a lesser extent, in MO. Thus, both rare pathological mutations in genes encoding specific ion channels and common gene variants contribute to migraine. However, the latter is the main family aggregation factor of the disease.2121 Gormley P, Kurki MI, Hiekkala ME, et al; 23andMe Research Team International Headache Genetics Consortium (IHGC) Common variant burden contributes to the familial aggregation of migraine in 1,589 families. Neuron 2018;98(04):743–753.e4

Epigenetic processes could mediate our response to food, environment, and stress challenges, among other elements clinically known as trigger factors for migraine attacks. The CGRP gene (CALCA) expression can be modified in several ways (DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs), and the CGRP might, in turn, trigger regulatory mechanisms in neuronal and glial cells.2222 Fila M, Sobczuk A, Pawlowska E, Blasiak J. Epigenetic connection of the calcitonin gene-related peptide and its potential in migraine. Int J Mol Sci 2022;23(11):6151

In the present study, we sought to determine the characteristics of headaches from a semiological point of view in Mennonites, comparing them with Brazilian non-Mennonites, subject to a similar environment (epigenetic factors).

METHODS

The present study was carried out within the genetic-epidemiological Mennogen project with the South-Brazilian Mennonite population.22 Boldt MC, Oliveira LC, Kretzschmar GC, et al. Depression and health self-perception: associations within the isolated Mennonite population in South Brazil. J Immigr Minor Health 2020;22(06):1265–1272 In order to retrospectively and cross-sectionally evaluate the characteristics of headaches in this population, we publicized and explained the research goals in social and religious events. Individuals interested in participating in the survey received access to the questionnaires through a Google Forms platform link. Before answering the questions, all subjects were required to fill in an informed consent form. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Health Sciences Sector of the UFPR (CAAE: 54385616.2.0000.0102).

We evaluated the following data:

  • epidemiological information;

  • headache characteristics;

  • Depressive Thoughts Scale2323 Carneiro AM, Baptista MN. Development and psychometric properties of Depressive Thoughts Scale - EPD. Rev Bras Ter Cogn 2012; 8(02):74–84 (EPD);

  • Epworth Sleepiness Scale2424 Bertolazi AN, Fagondes SC, Hoff LS, Pedro VD, Menna Barreto SS, Johns MW. Portuguese-language version of the Epworth sleepiness scale: validation for use in Brazil. J Bras Pneumol 2009;35 (09):877–883 (ESS);

  • General Anxiety Disorder-72525 Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JBW, Löwe B. A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. Arch Intern Med 2006;166(10):1092–1097 (GAD-7);

  • Patient Health Questionnaire-92626 Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med 2001;16(09): 606–613 (PHQ-9);

  • Migraine Disability Assessment2727 Fragoso YD. MIDAS (Migraine Disability Assessment): a valuable tool for work-site identification of migraine in workers in Brazil. Sao Paulo Med J 2002;120(04):118–121 (MIDAS);

  • Composite Autonomic Symptom Score2828 Sletten DM, Suarez GA, Low PA, Mandrekar J, Singer W. COMPASS 31: a refined and abbreviated Composite Autonomic Symptom Score. Mayo Clin Proc 2012;87(12):1196–1201 (COMPASS 31).

A filter question asked whether the participant had a headache in the past 12 months. Subjects who answered affirmatively were asked to complete subsequent questions that addressed the International Classification of Headache Disorders – 3rd edition (ICHD-3) criteria for migraine, TTH, and cluster headache:2929 Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia 2018;38 (01):1–211

  • the number of attacks (categories: 1, 2 to 4, 5 to 9, or ≥10);

  • duration (in minutes, hours, and days);

  • location (unilateral or bilateral);

  • quality (pulsating or pressing);

  • intensity (mild, moderate, or severe);

  • aggravation by routine physical activity;

  • presence of nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia;

  • presence of aura and its characteristics;

  • presence of autonomic symptoms and restlessness.

Premonitory and postdromic symptoms were surveyed by asking participants to select from a list in random order, those that occurred up to 48 hours before and after the headache phase, respectively. Possible answers for the premonitory phase were: phonophobia, lack of concentration, photophobia, neck pain, personality changes, mood changes, smell aversion, numbness, loss of appetite, fatigue, binge eating, unilateral rhinorrhea, unilateral lacrimation, or no symptom at all. Any additional symptoms could be reported in a text box. We analyzed the frequency of the six most common symptoms. The questionnaire was structured by a neurologist with training and experience in treating patients with headaches (EJP).

Study participants were divided into two groups: Mennonite Group (MG) and Control Group (CG). Subjects were included in the MG if they had direct Mennonite ancestry, either unilateral (only father or only mother) or bilateral (father and mother). Control group members could not have any Mennonite ancestry but should be a part of the Mennonite community, sharing daily customs and habits – most cases were spouses (husbands or wives of Mennonites).

All participants were older than 18 years old and suffered from headaches as defined by the ICHD-3.2929 Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia 2018;38 (01):1–211 We excluded the subjects who did not fully answer the questions about headaches.

A pilot test involved 38 community members, ensuring the effectiveness of the methodology, correcting doubts, and adding new information to the questionnaire. The final sample was composed of individuals from the urban Mennonite communities established in Curitiba: Primeira Igreja Irmãos Menonitas do Boqueirão, Igreja Irmãos Menonitas de São José dos Pinhais, Igreja Nova Aliança, and Igreja Irmãos Menonitas do Xaxim. Other groups were invited but did not participate in the study. The lack of adherence from other centers may have been related to the difficulty in making personal contact with them, which were far from the research location of the investigators.

The groups were compared concerning age, gender, type of headache, presence of aura, frequency of attacks, pain location and severity (using the numeric rating scale - NRS), attack duration, analgesic consumption, and characteristics of the premonitory and postdromic phases. When one of the diagnostic criteria for migraine was not met, we considered the case as probable migraine.2929 Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia 2018;38 (01):1–211

The results were summarized using the mean, standard deviation (SD), median, minimum, maximum, and frequency. Quantitative variables were compared using the student t-test for independent samples or the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. Regarding categorical variables, comparisons were made using the Fisher exact test or the chi-squared test. P-values < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Data were analyzed with the computer software IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, v.28.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).

RESULTS

One-hundred and twenty individuals answered the questionnaire (54 from the CG and 66 from the MG). Of these, 17 returned incomplete forms and were excluded. Thus, the final analysis included 103 subjects (CG, n = 45; MG, n = 58) whose general characteristics are summarized in Table 1. The groups did not differ concerning age or gender. The mean age of the participants was in the early 4th decade of life. Most members were female, accounting for 73.3% of the CG and for 60.3% of the MG.

Table 1
General characteristics of the sample

Migraine was the most common headache, found in 91.1% and in 81.0% of the CG and MG, respectively. Aura was a common finding (CG: 44.4%, MG: 39.7%), exceeding the prevalence of TTH (CG: 8.9%, MG: 15.5%). However, the distribution of the headache types did not differ between groups.

Most participants complained of moderate to severe pain occurring on 1 to 3 days per month. Chronic headache (> 14 days/month) was found in 7.5% of the CG and in 3.8% of the MG. The distribution of the severity and frequency of headaches did not show statistically significant differences between the two groups.

The migraine symptoms in the different phases were further evaluated. A premonitory phase was identified by 80.0% (n = 36) and 81.0% (n = 47) of the CG and MG, respectively (p = 1.00). The postdromic phase was recognized by 28.9% (n = 13) and 36.2% (n = 21), respectively (p = 0.528). However, the comparison by phase and symptoms did not differ between the two groups (Table 2).

Table 2
Premonitory and postdromic symptoms

Regarding pain location, the CG was characterized by a higher frequency of retro-orbital pain (55.6%) than that found in the MG (32.8%; p = 0.027). The comparison between groups showed no other statistically significant difference concerning the location and laterality of pain (Table 3). There was, however, a tendency toward a higher frequency of shoulder pain in the CG (p = 0.055).

Table 3
Pain location

The duration of the attacks of 38 subjects (CG: 15; MG: 23) was uncertain due to the use of analgesics in all episodes. Among the rest who knew how long their attacks lasted (63.1%), about half of them reported pain that persisted for < 4 hours (CG: n = 16, 53.3%; MG: n = 18, 51.4%). The duration of pain did not differ between groups (p = 0.805; Figure 1).

Figure 1
Frequency polygon of the duration of the headache attacks. There was no significant difference between the control (solid blue line) and Mennonite (dashed red line) groups (p = 0.805).

In fact, most individuals used some form of acute treatment to relieve their headaches (CG: n = 37, 84.1%; MG: n = 45, 78.9%; p = 0.612). Nevertheless, simple analgesics were the most widely used class of drugs (Table 4). Specific treatments for migraine, such as triptans (CG: 11.1%; MG: 17.2%) and ergot derivatives (CG: 4.4%; MG: 5.2%), were used less frequently. Headache management did not differ between groups.

Table 4
Analgesics used by the respondents

Regarding comorbidities, there were no differences in anxiety scores (GAD-7), depressive thinking distortions (EPD), disability due to headache (MIDAS), and intensity of dysautonomic symptoms (COMPASS 31) between the two groups (Table 5). The CG, however, showed more severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) and sleepiness (ESS) than the MG.

Table 5
Scores for EPD, GAD-7, PHQ-9, ESS, MIDAS, and COMPASS 31 scales

DISCUSSION

The semiological aspects of individuals with headaches were similar between the two groups. Migraine accounted for a higher proportion of headache cases than expected in the general population. This finding is possibly due to the selection bias of the study respondents and the more significant disability caused by migraine. Still, the two groups showed a similar prevalence of MO, MA, and TTH, demonstrating that the Mennonite ancestry likely confers neither protective nor risk effects for these conditions, at least in the urban environment of Curitiba (Mennonites from rural communities were not assessed). These results shall still be appreciated with caution, considering the small sample size.

The primary aura subtype is characterized by visual symptoms lasting from 5 to 60 minutes and sometimes up to 24 hours (extended aura). We found a high prevalence of MA in both groups, possibly because of methodological selection bias.1515 Lucas C. Migraine with aura. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2021;177(07): 779–784 Subjects suffering from MA often present with severe attacks associated with focal neurological deficits, which cause significant concern. Other epidemiological findings were consistent with a subpopulation of individuals with headaches, such as a high prevalence of females and a mean age in their early forties.

A key feature of the present study was the evaluation of the clinical characteristics of migraine in two populations of different ancestries under the influence of a shared urban environment. This design allows us to distinguish the genetic contribution to the manifestation of the disorder. For this purpose, all migraine stages (premonitory, aura, attack, and postdromic) were carefully evaluated. The premonitory phase is associated with hypothalamic activation,3030 Maniyar FH, Sprenger T, Monteith T, Schankin C, Goadsby PJ. Brain activations in the premonitory phase of nitroglycerin-triggered migraine attacks. Brain 2014;137(Pt 1):232–241 which may precede the headache by up to 48 hours. Depending on the study methodology, the prevalence of premonitory manifestations ranges from 9%3131 Russell MB, Rasmussen BK, Fenger K, Olesen J. Migraine without aura and migraine with aura are distinct clinical entities: a study of four hundred and eighty-four male and female migraineurs from the general population. Cephalalgia 1996;16(04):239–245 to more realistic figures such as 87%.1414 Schoonman GG, Evers DJ, Terwindt GM, van Dijk JG, Ferrari MD. The prevalence of premonitory symptoms in migraine: a questionnaire study in 461 patients. Cephalalgia 2006;26(10):1209–1213 The present study found values consistent with the latter. Since the study groups did not differ regarding the premonitory phase, it seems that Mennonites and non-Mennonite Brazilians sharing the urban environment did not differ regarding the onset of migraine.

The attack pattern (duration, intensity, and frequency) was similar in both groups. In Brazil, it is estimated that 9.6% of those with headaches have more than 14 days of pain per month, while the remaining 90.4% have an episodic course.3232 Queiroz LP, Peres MFP, Kowacs F, et al. Chronic daily headache in Brazil: a nationwide population-based study. Cephalalgia 2008; 28(12):1264–1269 We found attack frequencies similar to those values. However, the duration of the attacks reported by our sample was shorter than expected, considering the high prevalence of migraine. This discordant finding is probably due to the retrospective nature of the study. Besides, about a third of the participants always used analgesics and could not estimate the duration of their attacks. It is reasonable to assume that this subgroup contained many who suffered from longer-lasting migraine episodes. There was no difference between groups regarding the type of analgesics being taken. We noticed a low frequency of use of more specific medications for migraine. Drugs such as triptans show greater efficacy in controlling the attacks, although their costs limit their use.

Migraine headache is usually felt over the frontotemporal region.2929 Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia 2018;38 (01):1–211 Not surprisingly, this site was the most affected by headaches in both groups. However, the CG complained of more frequent pain in the retroorbital region, an adjacent area. They also showed a tendency toward a higher proportion of pain over the shoulders, an extratrigeminal area. Together, these findings suggest a phenotype characterized by more diffuse pain in the CG. Our group showed that this fact might be associated with an alteration in sensory processing, and its co-occurrence with allodynia is common.3333 Utiumi MAT, Küster JGB, Godk KS, et al. Prevalence of trigeminocervical convergence mechanisms in episodic and chronic migraine. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2022;80(05):482–489

The postdromic phase of migraine is of extreme interest, as data in the literature is scarce. We evaluated and observed that they occur and are equally prevalent in both populations, affecting about one-third of their members. Manifestations of fatigue and demotivation were the most prevalent, demonstrating that the impact of this disease goes beyond pain symptoms.

The analysis of comorbidities demonstrated that the CG had more sleepiness and depressive symptoms than the MG. These variables were not sufficiently capable of influencing the migraine behavior in these groups. Regarding drowsiness, assessed using the ESS, it can occur as a prodrome, a manifestation in the interictal period, or a symptom of recovery.1414 Schoonman GG, Evers DJ, Terwindt GM, van Dijk JG, Ferrari MD. The prevalence of premonitory symptoms in migraine: a questionnaire study in 461 patients. Cephalalgia 2006;26(10):1209–1213,1616 Giffin NJ, Lipton RB, Silberstein SD, Olesen J, Goadsby PJ. The migraine postdrome: An electronic diary study. Neurology 2016; 87(03):309–313 Contradictory studies demonstrated that sleepiness could occur due to migraine itself, although it might also be a symptom of depression, anxiety, or other migraine comorbidity reducing sleep quality.3434 Maestri M, Romigi A, Schirru A, et al. Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue in neurological disorders. Sleep Breath 2020;24(02): 413–424

A strong correlation exists between migraine and depression, especially in high-frequency and chronic headaches. Buse et al.3535 Buse DC, Reed ML, Fanning KM, Bostic RC, Lipton RB. Demographics, headache features, and comorbidity profiles in relation to headache frequency in people with migraine: results of the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) Study. Headache 2020;60(10):2340–2356 used the PHQ-9 to study a sample in which a quarter of the 11,603 migraineurs had moderate to severe depression. There was an 87% increased risk of moderate to severe depression in those with high-frequency attacks (8 to 14 headache days per month) compared with participants with lower-frequency migraine (0 to 7 headache days per month).3535 Buse DC, Reed ML, Fanning KM, Bostic RC, Lipton RB. Demographics, headache features, and comorbidity profiles in relation to headache frequency in people with migraine: results of the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) Study. Headache 2020;60(10):2340–2356 In the present study, there were no statistical differences in the frequency of attacks between the CG and MG, suggesting that Mennonite ancestry did not play a role in the susceptibility to migraine-associated depressive symptoms, at least in the urban environment. However, this is an exploratory study, and the differences in the ESS and PHQ-9 scores might not be clinically significant (a two-point difference between the CG and MG medians). Still, the EPD scores were similar between groups.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate headaches in the Mennonite population. However, its results must be interpreted with caution because of several limitations mainly related to the research design. The Mennonite population is relatively isolated, making it challenging to approach a large number of participants. Boldt et al.22 Boldt MC, Oliveira LC, Kretzschmar GC, et al. Depression and health self-perception: associations within the isolated Mennonite population in South Brazil. J Immigr Minor Health 2020;22(06):1265–1272 conducted a study involving 430 Mennonites and found worse self-rated health and higher depression and anxiety scores on the Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory. These were different scales, and there was extensive participation from the Mennonite population of Colônia Nova, who scored higher on the scales and were not included in the headache survey.22 Boldt MC, Oliveira LC, Kretzschmar GC, et al. Depression and health self-perception: associations within the isolated Mennonite population in South Brazil. J Immigr Minor Health 2020;22(06):1265–1272

A selection method other than spontaneous participation, also including rural communities, is required to obtain more reliable results regarding prevalence. Gathering information about the familial pattern of MO and MA associated with genome sequencing would shed more light on the role of genetic variants in this population. Prospective studies using headache diaries and including a larger contingent of individuals would allow a better estimation of the migraine behavior in the Mennonite population. Currently, headache data are being collected on a larger group in a rural setting.

Headaches are a very prevalent group of diseases and, especially migraine, are under genetic influence. The Mennonite population has been in a context of reproductive isolation throughout its history, resulting in its distinctive epidemiology. Our results did not show major differences in the prevalence and clinical characterization of headaches between Mennonites and non-Mennonite Brazilians in the urban environment. However, the latter showed more diffuse pain, sleepiness, and depressive symptoms.

  • Support
    ABWB received a research productivity scholarship from the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq, in the Portuguese acronym) (protocol number: 314288/2018-0).

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    27 Oct 2023
  • Date of issue
    2023

History

  • Received
    13 Mar 2023
  • Reviewed
    01 May 2023
  • Accepted
    26 May 2023
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