Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
Migraine and stroke: current perspectives
1Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA. delli1@Isuhsc.edu
Objective:
The purpose of this article is to review the latest concepts regarding migraine and ischemic stroke. In addition, focal neurological deficits and MRI changes in migraine patients will be reviewed.
Methods:
A PubMed search of neurological literature pertaining to this study was conducted using specific keyword search terms pertaining to migraine and ischemic stroke.
Results:
Migraine, especially with aura, is a relative risk factor for stroke. Neuroimaging demonstrates the posterior circulation as being most vulnerable, although the reason for this distribution is unclear. Factors that may contribute to stroke in migraine include changes during cortical spreading depression with hyper- or hypoperfusion of neural tissue, vasospasm and endothelial dysfunction. Estrogen affects migraine expression as well as cerebral circulation, yet most women with migraine without aura are not at increased risk. Co-morbidity with patent foramen ovale can be mechanism of both disorders via presumed lack of filtration of microemboli or toxic substances; however, closure with reversal of right to left shunt seems to be more beneficial for cryptogenic stroke than migraine. Migraine and stroke are found in specific genetic disorders such as CADASIL, HERNS and MELAS giving clues to genetic factors. Stroke associated with migraine treatments such as ergots or triptans is rare, and usually associated with special circumstances such as overuse or concomitant thrombogenic conditions.
Conclusion:
Although true migrainous infarction is rare, our understanding of the subtle associations between migraine and cerebrovascular behavior is expanding.
Insights
Migraine, particularly with aura, is a risk factor for stroke, with the posterior circulation being most vulnerable. Understanding these associations is expanding, though true migrainous infarction remains rare.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cerebrovascular Medicine
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Migraine is a common neurological disorder with complex associations to cerebrovascular events.
- Understanding the link between migraine and ischemic stroke is crucial for patient management and risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current concepts linking migraine and ischemic stroke.
- To examine focal neurological deficits and MRI findings in migraine patients.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed.
- Keywords included "migraine" and "ischemic stroke" to identify relevant neurological studies.
Main Results:
- Migraine, especially with aura, is a recognized risk factor for stroke, with the posterior circulation being most affected.
- Potential mechanisms include cortical spreading depression, vasospasm, endothelial dysfunction, and genetic factors.
- While rare, stroke associated with migraine treatments can occur under specific circumstances.
Conclusions:
- True migrainous infarction is infrequent.
- The relationship between migraine and cerebrovascular behavior is increasingly understood.
Related Concept Videos
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Stroke: Introduction and Types
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
