Anemia and Migraine Headaches

Pathophysiological Connection

Low hemoglobin levels are associated with recurrent headaches and migraines, especially in patients with sickle cell anemia, according to the American College of Radiology 1

Sickle cell anemia patients commonly experience migraines as a comorbidity, along with other complications, as reported by the American College of Radiology 1
Beta thalassemia major, which causes severe anemia and multiple organ failure, may lead to syncope that can be arrhythmic in nature, as noted by the American College of Cardiology and Circulation 2, 3

Patients with sickle cell anemia require special attention, as headaches in these patients are more frequently associated with acute central nervous system events than in the general population, according to the American College of Radiology 1, 4
In children with sickle cell anemia and headache, the threshold for neuroimaging should be lower due to increased risk of central nervous system complications, as recommended by the American College of Radiology 1