Potential New Biomarker for Migraines

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine may have found a new blood biomarker for episodic migraines, according to recent research. 

The study, which only looked at women, found levels of a group of lipids called ceramides were decreased in women with episodic migraines compared to those without any headaches. Every standard deviation increase in total ceramide levels was associated with over a 92 percent lower risk of having migraines. The group of lipids tested help regulate inflammation in the brain.

The findings were published online September 9th in the journal Neurology.

“While more research is needed to confirm these initial findings, the possibility of discovering a new biomarker for migraine is exciting,” said study author B. Lee Peterlin, DO, Johns Hopkins.