Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 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

Migraine and cerebrovascular disease

E Agostoni1, A Rigamonti

  • 1Neurological Department, A. Manzoni Hospital, Via dell'Eremo 9/11, I-23900 Lecco (LC), Italy. e.agostoni@libero.it

Neurological Sciences : Official Journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology
|May 18, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Migraine and stroke have a complex link. Research explores if migraine is a stroke risk factor, if it causes stroke, or if both share underlying causes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • The association between migraine and stroke is intricate and bidirectional.
  • Migraine is suggested as a potential risk factor for stroke.
  • White matter abnormalities are observed more frequently in migraine patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the complex relationship between migraine and stroke.
  • To analyze migraine as a risk factor for stroke.
  • To investigate migraine as a cause of stroke and shared underlying conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological studies on migraine and stroke.
  • Analysis of magnetic resonance imaging findings in migraine patients.
  • Examination of clinical data on stroke occurring during migraine with aura attacks.

Main Results:

  • Migraine may act as a risk factor for stroke.
  • Stroke can occur during a migraine with aura attack (migrainous stroke).
  • Alternative mechanisms, including cerebral ischemia and shared underlying conditions, are considered.

Conclusions:

  • The relationship between migraine, aura, and stroke is complex and not strictly causal.
  • Migraine aura might be a consequence of cerebral ischemia.
  • Both migraine with aura and stroke may stem from a common underlying condition.

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