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

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Published on: June 2, 2014

Comorbid neuropathologies in migraine: an update on cerebrovascular and cardiovascular aspects

Simona Sacco1, Davide Cerone, Antonio Carolei

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi, L'Aquila, Italy.

The Journal of Headache and Pain
|July 5, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Migraine is linked to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke and coronary heart disease. While patent foramen ovale is associated with migraine, its causal role and treatment are unclear.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Migraine frequently co-occurs with other medical conditions.
  • The relationship between migraine and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the association between migraine and cerebrovascular diseases (stroke) and cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease).
  • To explore the potential role of patent foramen ovale and arterial hypertension in migraine pathogenesis and prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies examining comorbidities of migraine.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data on migraine, stroke, coronary heart disease, patent foramen ovale, and arterial hypertension.

Main Results:

  • An association exists between migraine and patent foramen ovale, but causality is unproven; closure is not recommended for migraine prevention.
  • Conflicting data link migraine to arterial hypertension, with renin-angiotensin system inhibitors showing potential for migraine prevention.
  • Migraine is a risk factor for stroke and coronary heart disease, though the risk magnitude varies and is generally low in the population, complicating preventive strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Migraine shares complex bidirectional relationships with cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases.
  • While migraine is a risk factor, identifying individuals at high risk for cardiovascular events remains challenging.
  • Further research is needed to clarify causal links and optimize preventive measures for migraineurs with cardiovascular risks.

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