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MRI findings in migraine.
M C Kruit1, L J Launer, M A van Buchem
1Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands. m.c.kruit@lumc.nl
Revue Neurologique
|September 6, 2005
Summary
Migraine is a risk factor for brain lesions, including silent infarcts and white matter changes, particularly in women. Migraine severity may influence lesion development, suggesting a causal link requiring further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Migraine traditionally viewed as episodic neurovascular disorder.
- Previous studies suggested links between migraine, stroke, and white matter lesions but lacked definitive conclusions.
- Recent MRI studies identify migraine as an independent risk factor for white matter lesions and infarcts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and integrate findings on migraine's association with ischemic stroke, silent infarction, and white matter lesions.
- To analyze results from a population-based MRI study on migraine and brain lesions.
Main Methods:
- Review of previous investigations.
- Analysis of a population-based cross-sectional MRI study.
Main Results:
- Brain infarction is more common in migraine patients, especially migraine with aura (8% subclinical cerebellar infarcts).
- Female migraine patients show increased risk of deep white matter lesions, independent of cardiovascular factors.
- Migraine severity (attack frequency) correlates with lesion load, suggesting causality.
Conclusions:
- Migraine is associated with a higher incidence of brain infarction and white matter lesions.
- Migraine, particularly with aura, poses a risk for subclinical infarcts.
- Further research is needed to determine the long-term functional impact of these migraine-associated brain lesions.