Migraine (Photo : Reuters)
Researchers found out that patients with migraine have higher risks of having carpal tunnel syndrome, and patients who have the syndrome are also more likely to develop migraine.
The study, published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery--Global Open, involved almost 26,000 Americans who responded to a health survey.
Questions were asked regarding the participant's health such as if they experienced migraine or if they had carpal tunnel syndrome within the last 12 months.
Patients who have carpal tunnel syndrome exhibit several symptoms, including hand weakness and numbness, coming from unnatural pressure exerted on the wrist's median nerve, according to Science 20.
The researchers found that 3.7 percent of the participants had carpal tunnel syndrome, while 16.3 percent reported having migraine and severe headaches.
After analyzing the results, it was found that those who had CTS are more likely to experience migraine and severe headaches, and vice-versa.
About 34 percent of those with the syndrome also had migraine, while 16 percent had migraine but no CTS. The researchers calculated and found that the chances of CTS patients developing a migraine were 2.6 times higher compared to those who do not have the syndrome.
Meanwhile, about eight percent of the participants had migraine and CTS, compared to the three percent who had no migraines.
After adjusting and processing the data, the researchers found that migraine sufferers are 2.7 times more likely to develop CTS.
In addition, the research team discovered other shared health risk factors linked to carpal tunnel syndrome and migraine, including smoking, obesity and diabetes, according to Doctors Lounge.
The researchers said that the new findings add data to the ongoing debate over the nerve decompression surgery treatment for migraine.
