Serum S100β Protein in Children With Acute Recurrent Headache: A Potentially Useful Marker for Migraine

Objective.—To examine the role of glia‐derived S100β protein and to evaluate its use as a biochemical marker in childhood acute recurrent headache. Methods.—Twenty‐five patients with acute recurrent headache (according to International Headache Society criteria) from our department's Headache Clinic were studied. Blood samples for measurement of serum S100β were drawn: (1) ≤3‐hour post pain attack from our patients and (2) from 23 healthy controls. Results.—Of the 25 patients evaluated, 15 suffered from migraine and 10 from tension‐type headache (TTH). Statistical analysis of the mean values of S100β levels demonstrated a significant elevation in children with migraine headache, with values higher than those of both children with TTH and controls ( P = .001). Conclusions.—Our data suggest a direct relation between childhood migraine attacks and increased production of glial S100β protein. Serum S100β determination may be a useful biochemical marker for migraine in acute recurrent headache in childhood.