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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
[Migraine as a cerebrovascular risk factor].
A B Caminero1, M Sánchez Del Río González
1Sección de Neurología, Complejo Asistencial de Ávila, Ávila, España. acaminero@saludcastillayleon.es
Neurologia (Barcelona, Spain)
|May 17, 2011
Summary
Migraine is an independent vascular risk factor, increasing stroke risk, especially in women under 45. Managing migraine and other vascular risks can reduce the likelihood of stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
Context:
- Migraine is increasingly recognized as a significant vascular risk factor.
- Chronic migraine sufferers often present with a less favorable metabolic profile.
- Existing literature suggests a link between migraine, white matter lesions, and silent ischemic events.
Purpose:
- To clarify the relationship between migraine and vascular risk factors.
- To review the existing literature on migraine as a vascular risk factor.
Summary:
- Migraine, particularly migraine with aura in women under 45, is linked to a higher risk of cerebral infarction.
- Smoking and oral contraceptive use exacerbate this risk.
- Migraine with aura is associated with subclinical infarctions in posterior fossa circulation.
Impact:
- Recognizing migraine as an independent vascular risk factor is crucial for stroke prevention.
- Better management of migraine attacks and co-existing vascular risk factors can mitigate stroke likelihood.
- While the absolute risk of infarction is low (3.8 per 100,000 women/year), proactive management is warranted.
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