Abstract
BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest an association between migraine and restless legs syndrome (RLS). Population-based data, however, have been limited to women. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between migraine and RLS in a male cohort. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 22,926 participants in the Physicians' Health Study. Migraine and RLS information was self-reported. RLS was classified according to four minimal diagnostic criteria. Age- and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 22,926 participants (mean age 67.8), 2816 (12.3%) reported migraine and 1717 (7.5%) RLS. Migraine was associated with an increased multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) of 1.20 (1.04-1.38) for having RLS. The association remained stable after excluding men with potential mimics of RLS and was not modified by age. CONCLUSIONS: Results of our study indicate an association between migraine and RLS in men. The magnitude of effect is similar to what has been reported in women.