Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
10:52
Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
Closure of a patent foramen ovale is associated with a decrease in prevalence of migraine: a prospective
Justin G L M Luermans1, Martijn C Post, Frederik Temmerman
1Department of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.
Acta Cardiologica
|November 19, 2008
Summary
Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) significantly reduced migraine prevalence in patients with PFO-related paradoxical embolism. This study suggests PFO closure as a potential treatment for migraine. Further randomized trials are needed.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- A potential link between migraine and patent foramen ovale (PFO), a right-to-left shunt, has been proposed.
- Retrospective studies indicate percutaneous PFO closure may decrease migraine prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate if percutaneous PFO closure reduces migraine prevalence.
- To assess the impact of PFO closure on migraine with and without aura.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study included 92 patients over 16 years undergoing symptomatic PFO closure for paradoxical embolism.
- Patients completed headache questionnaires before and six months after PFO closure.
- Migraine diagnoses were confirmed by two neurologists using International Headache Criteria.
Main Results:
- Pre-closure, 27% of patients had migraine (15.7% without aura, 11.2% with aura).
- Post-closure, overall migraine prevalence decreased to 10.7% (P=0.001).
- Migraine with aura prevalence significantly decreased from 11.9% to 2.4% (P=0.02).
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous PFO closure is associated with a significant reduction in migraine prevalence.
- These findings require confirmation through randomized placebo-controlled trials.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...