Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
18.9K
[Migraine and stroke]
1Department of Neurology Tokai University Hachioji Hospital.
Rinsho Shinkeigaku = Clinical Neurology
|February 13, 2015
Summary
Migraine with aura slightly increases ischemic stroke risk, but this risk is low compared to traditional factors. Lifestyle changes like avoiding oral contraceptives and quitting smoking can mitigate this risk in younger patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Neurology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Migraine is a common neurological disorder with a complex relationship to ischemic stroke.
- Previous studies suggest an increased risk of ischemic stroke in migraine patients, particularly those with aura.
Purpose:
- To review the literature on migraine and ischemic stroke.
- To compare findings with existing European MRI studies.
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of migrainous stroke.
Summary:
- The incidence of migrainous stroke is low. A European study found a two-fold increased risk of ischemic stroke in migraine with aura patients, with lesions predominantly in the posterior circulation.
- Risk factors like oral contraceptive use and smoking significantly increase stroke risk in younger migraine with aura patients.
- Migraine is a lower risk factor than hypertension, diabetes, or atrial fibrillation. This study's findings on lesion location (anterior circulation) contrast with the European study, possibly due to reversible vasoconstriction syndrome.
Impact:
- Highlights migraine as a relatively low risk factor for ischemic stroke compared to traditional vascular risk factors.
- Identifies specific patient groups (migraine with aura, younger age, oral contraceptive use, smoking) at higher risk.
- Suggests potential etiological differences in white matter lesions among migraine patients, warranting further investigation into conditions like reversible vasoconstriction syndrome.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Stroke: Introduction and Types
2
A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...
2
01:15Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
3
Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
3
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
1
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
1
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
3
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
3
01:26Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
01:15Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
2
An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
2