Association of transverse sinus stenosis and dominant venous sinus drainage pattern with chronic migraine: A matched case-control study.

Transverse sinus stenosis (TSS) may be important for chronic migraine (CM). This study included 94 CM patients and 94 matched controls. All participants underwent magnetic resonance venography to assess their venous structures. The dominant venous sinus drainage pattern was evaluated by expert neuroradiologists. Researchers classified venous sinus stenosis into three categories: bilateral stenosis, unilateral stenosis, and no stenosis. They found no significant differences in venous drainage patterns between CM patients and controls. However, there was a strong positive correlation between TSS and CM. Specifically, bilateral TSS had an odds ratio of 6.60, while unilateral TSS had an odds ratio of 2.41. Both results were statistically significant. This suggests a potential link between impaired cerebral venous outflow and the progression of migraines. However, the study does not determine causality. More research is needed to clarify these associations and their implications for treatment. Clinical relevance: This study highlights the link between transverse sinus stenosis and chronic migraine, suggesting pathways for potential treatment improvements.