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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 and patent foramen ovale: state of the science

Cindy J Fuller1, Jill T Jesurum

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Scientific Development, Swedish Medical Center, 500 17th Avenue NE, Suite 303, Seattle, WA 98122, USA.

Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America
|December 3, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is common in migraine with aura patients. PFO closure may improve migraine symptoms, with emerging theories on stroke risk and management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Migraine affects 12% of the population, often causing recurrent pain.
  • Approximately 50% of migraineurs with aura have a patent foramen ovale (PFO).
  • PFO may facilitate microemboli passage, triggering migraine symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review research on the effects of PFO closure on migraine symptoms.
  • To explore pathophysiological mechanisms linking PFO and migraine.
  • To provide evidence-based recommendations for managing patients with migraine and PFO.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective and prospective research studies were analyzed.
  • Emerging theories on pathologic mechanisms were examined.
  • Clinical data on PFO closure and migraine outcomes were documented.

Main Results:

  • Studies documented the effects of PFO closure on migraine symptoms.
  • Emerging theories suggest PFO's role in migraine pathophysiology.
  • Increased risk of ischemic stroke in migraineurs with PFO is discussed.

Conclusions:

  • PFO closure may be a therapeutic option for select migraineurs.
  • Understanding the PFO-migraine link can inform stroke risk assessment.
  • Management guidelines for patients with migraine and PFO are presented.

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