Impact of anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies on central sensitization level in migraine patients

Abstract

Background. Central sensitization (CS) is the mechanism underlying chronic migraine and other conditions combined into a group of central sensitivity syndromes. The most reliable method for assessing the severity of CS is Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI).Aim. The aim of our study is the evaluation of anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies (erenumab, fremanezumab) effect on the central sensitization level in migraine patients.Material and methods. We recruited 90 patients over 18 years old diagnosed with episodic migraine (EM) and chronic migraine (CM) according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. All patients were from November 2020 to March 2022. Demographic data, history of migraine and previous migraine treatment were collected for each patient. All patients filled out CSI. Dynamics was followed up monthly with headache diaries.Results. After six months of treatment the level of CS in the CM group significantly decreased from the initial level of 41 (32.0, 50.5) to 36 (25.0, 39.0), which corresponds to the absence of clinically significant CS, p = 0.02*. The analysis of points of the CSI after 3 months of treatment shows a significant decrease in the prevalence of pain syndromes, cognitive impairment, asthenic disorders, hypersensitivity and affective disorders.Conclusions. The use of erenumab and fremanezumab is advisable in patients with migraine and comorbid conditions based on the CS mechanism.