Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
10:39

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache

Published on: June 2, 2014

High prevalence of patent foramen ovale in migraine with aura

Giovanni Ferrarini1, Giovanni Malferrari, Riccardo Zucco

  • 1Centro Cefalee Alta Specialità, Dipartimento Area Critica, Reggio Emilia, Italy.

The Journal of Headache and Pain
|December 20, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is highly prevalent in migraine with aura (MA) patients. Treating PFO may resolve MA attacks, suggesting a link between shunts and migraine triggers.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Migraine with aura (MA) is a neurological condition with complex pathophysiology.
  • The potential role of cardiac shunts, specifically patent foramen ovale (PFO), in MA remains an area of investigation.

Observation:

  • A cohort of 25 consecutive MA patients presenting to an emergency ward were evaluated.
  • Diagnostic methods included brain MRI, coagulation tests, contrast transcranial echocolour-coded sonography (c-TCCS), and transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE).
  • c-TCCS detected PFO in 88.7% of patients, while TEE confirmed it in 72%, suggesting c-TCCS may be more sensitive.

Findings:

  • A significantly higher prevalence of PFO was observed in MA patients compared to the general population (Odds Ratio=2.92).
  • Surgical closure of PFO led to the complete resolution of MA within two months in affected patients.
  • Pharmacological treatments including warfarin, acetylsalicylic acid, and flunarizine also demonstrated a significant reduction in migraine attack frequency.

Implications:

  • The findings suggest a potential causal link between PFO and MA, with arteriovenous (AV) shunts possibly acting as triggers.
  • PFO may represent a modifiable risk factor for MA, warranting further investigation into screening and treatment strategies.
  • These results could influence clinical practice regarding the evaluation and management of patients with migraine with aura.

More Related Videos

Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence10:52

Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence

Published on: December 23, 2022

Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache05:40

Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache

Published on: July 29, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...