The Association Between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Migraine: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Objectives: Migraine and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are both common chronic conditions that may share underlying pathophysiological mechanisms despite presenting with distinct clinical features. Understanding the association between these two conditions could enhance treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes. This review aims to evaluate the relationship between COPD and migraine, highlighting shared risk factors and identifying gaps in the existing literature. Methods: A search was conducted across four electronic databases (PubMed, Ovid Medline, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science) following PRISMA guidelines up to January 2024. The search identified 85 studies, of which five met the inclusion criteria: observational studies, cohort studies, case-control studies, and randomized controlled trials examining the association between migraine and COPD. Studies not published in English and irrelevant study designs were excluded. The risk of bias was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool, which evaluated aspects such as study design, participant selection, measurement methods, and the handling of confounding factors. Results: The review included five studies comprising 184,817 patients. All studies identified a significant association between COPD and migraine, with varying methodologies for diagnosing the conditions. Notably, COPD patients had an increased risk of migraine compared to controls, and migraine patients also demonstrated a higher risk of developing COPD. However, the evidence was marked by high heterogeneity and potential confounding factors. Conclusions: The findings suggest a significant association between COPD and migraine, potentially driven by shared mechanisms such as systemic inflammation. However, the predominance of cross-sectional studies limits causal inference. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies to clarify the directionality and causality of the relationship between COPD and migraine while thoroughly addressing potential confounding factors.