Association between interictal high plasma calcitonin gene-related peptide and cognition affection in childhood migraine

Abstract Background Cognitive impairment is recognized as a comorbidity in childhood migraine. Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) has been involved in migraine pathophysiology, but its relationship with cognitive dysfunction remains unclear. This study investigates the association between interictal CGRP plasma levels and cognitive impairment in pediatric migraineurs. Methods This is a cross-sectional study which was conducted on 89 participants (44 migraine patients and 45 controls). Demographic data, migraine severity and disability were assessed, and patients were furthermore classified to chronic or episodic migraineurs. plasma CGRP level was measured, and neuropsychological functions were evaluated using digit span, similarities, Benton visual retention, and Trail Making Tests. Statistical comparisons were performed between groups. Results Migraine patients showed significantly lower performance on digit span, similarities, and Benton visual retention tests and took significantly longer time to complete Trail making test A and B. There were no significant differences in demographic data, including age, sex, and BMI, between the patients and control groups. Plasma CGRP levels were significantly higher in migraine patients compared to controls and chronic compared to episodic migraineures. CGRP levels correlated positively with migraine severity, frequency, and disability. Conclusion Interictal high plasma CGRP levels were correlated with affecting attention, psychomotor speed, and visual memory. CGRP may serve as a biomarker for migraine-associated cognitive impairment.