No Pattern Alteration in Single Nocturnal Melatonin Secretion in Patients With Hypnic Headache: A Case–Control Study

摘要

Objective To investigate headache‐related serum melatonin levels and melatonin excretion rhythmicity in patients with hypnic headache (HH). Background Strict sleep dependency of headache attacks is a pathognomonic feature of HH. Changes in melatonin levels, a marker for circadian rhythm, are assumed to play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of HH. Methods Serum melatonin levels were acquired in nine patients with HH and nine age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls over a 20‐hour time period (12 pm, 4 pm, 7 pm, 10 pm, time of headache, and 8 am). Results No significant changes of melatonin levels could be detected comparing HH patients and healthy controls. Melatonin excretion rhythmicity was not significantly altered in patients with HH (Mean melatonin level in ng/mL?±?SD, patients vs controls at 12 pm: 21.5?±?9.5 vs 13.6?±?6.3 [ P ?=?.077], 4 pm: 18.4?±?8.4 vs 14.0?±?4.7 [ P ?=?.222], 7 pm: 19.4?±?5.1 vs 15.1?±?4.5 [ P ?=?.094], 10 pm: 59.5?±?45.0 vs 29.4?±?12.7 [ P =.136], headache time: 96.9?±?68.3 vs 49.1?±?22.8 [ P ?=?.94], and 8 am: 31.6?±?18.3 vs 26.7?±?15.6 [ P ?=?.489]). Conclusion This study is not able to confirm a significant role of melatonin concentration changes in the pathophysiology of HH and vetoes that melatonin deficiency plays a major role in the pathophysiology of the disorder.