Migraine and brain tumors: a bibliometric analysis and narrative review

Abstract

Introduction The relationship between migraine and brain tumors remains an area of active research, with mixed findings across studies. Understanding this connection is crucial for improving clinical diagnoses and patient management. Objective This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis and narrative review to explore the trends, key contributors, and findings on the association between migraine and brain tumors. Methodology A total of 740 studies were retrieved from the Scopus database using search terms “migraine” AND “brain tumor” for the period January 2015 to December 2024. These studies were analyzed using VOSviewer. The review employed a combination of bibliometric techniques and narrative analysis to identify key publications, authors, institutions, and frequently discussed terms. Results The United States was the largest contributor, followed by Italy and the United Kingdom. BMJ Case Reports published the most documents on the topic, with Harvard Medical School being the leading institution. Key terms included migraine, headache, brain tumor, neuroimaging, and brain neoplasms. Studies presented varying findings: some suggested an increased risk of brain tumors in migraine patients, while others found no significant association. Notable studies highlighted the role of specific tumor types, such as pituitary adenomas and meningiomas, in causing headache symptoms. Conclusions The association between migraine and brain tumors remains complex and inconsistent. While some studies indicate a potential risk, others fail to confirm a significant relationship. Further large-scale, prospective studies are needed to clarify this association and inform clinical practices.