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Migraine and stroke--why do we talk about it?
1Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Pain and Headache Center, Linz General Hospital, Linz, Austria. christian.lampl@akh.linz.at
European Journal of Neurology
|April 19, 2006
Summary
Migraine, particularly migraine with aura, is a potential risk factor for stroke. Research indicates a higher risk of ischemic stroke and white matter abnormalities in individuals experiencing migraines.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Observational studies suggest a link between migraine and stroke.
- Population and case-control studies confirm an association between migraine and ischemic stroke (IS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between migraine and stroke risk.
- To explore potential common pathogenic mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of observational studies.
- Analysis of population and case-control studies.
- Meta-analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data.
Main Results:
- Migraine is identified as a potential risk factor for stroke.
- The risk of IS is elevated in migraine patients, especially those with aura.
- Migraine sufferers show a higher prevalence of white matter abnormalities on MRI.
Conclusions:
- Migraine, particularly with aura, is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke.
- Shared biochemical pathways may underlie migraine and stroke.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and clinical implications is warranted.