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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
10:52

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

Published on: December 23, 2022

[Migraine, stroke and patent foramen ovale--connected or not?]

Vlasta Vuković1, Anka Aleksić-Shihabi, Arijana Lovrencić-Huzjan

  • 1Klinika za neurologiju, Referentni centar za neurovaskularne poremećaje Ministarstva zdravstva RH, Klinicka bolnica Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb, Hrvatska. vlasta9vuk@yahoo.com

Acta Medica Croatica : Casopis Hravatske Akademije Medicinskih Znanosti
|August 20, 2008
PubMed

Insights

The link between migraine with aura and patent foramen ovale (PFO) is known. However, PFO closure

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Medical Science

Context:

  • Clinical studies establish a link between migraine with aura and patent foramen ovale (PFO).
  • Migraine and stroke are known to be connected.
  • PFO prevalence is 2.5-fold higher in migraine patients compared to controls.

Purpose:

  • To review the current understanding of the relationship between PFO and migraine.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of PFO closure for migraine treatment.
  • To discuss the potential risks and benefits of PFO closure in migraine patients.

Summary:

  • While PFO closure has shown promise in reducing migraine attacks in some studies, recent evidence suggests it may also lead to new or worsening headaches.
  • No consensus exists regarding the optimal treatment strategy for PFO in primary or secondary migraine prevention.
  • Both surgical and conservative PFO closure methods are employed, with mixed results.

Impact:

  • The findings highlight the need for further research to clarify the role of PFO closure in migraine management.
  • This review provides insights for clinicians considering PFO closure in patients with migraine.
  • It underscores the complexity of managing migraine in the context of PFO and cardiovascular health.

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