Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model of Neonatal Stroke in P10 Rats
Published on: April 21, 2017
Is migraine a risk factor for pediatric stroke?
Amy A Gelfand1, Heather J Fullerton2, Alice Jacobson3
1UCSF Headache Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, USA Division of Child Neurology, UCSF, USA GelfandA@neuropeds.ucsf.edu.
Pediatric migraineurs did not show a significant increase in stroke risk. However, adolescents with migraine experienced a higher risk of ischemic stroke, warranting further investigation into risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood stroke risk factors remain incompletely understood.
- Migraine with aura is a known risk factor for ischemic stroke in adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between migraine and stroke in children.
- To determine if migraine increases stroke risk in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study was conducted using data from Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) from 1997-2007.
- Included were children aged 2-17 years with diagnosed migraine or no headache history.
- Stroke incidence rates and incidence rate ratios were calculated.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant increase in hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke was observed in pediatric migraineurs overall.
- A post-hoc analysis revealed a significantly elevated risk of ischemic stroke in adolescents (12-17 years) with migraine (IR 3.4).
- Hemorrhagic stroke incidence was lower in migraineurs compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Migraine is not associated with a significant increase in overall stroke risk in children.
- Adolescents with migraine may have an elevated risk for ischemic stroke.
- Future research should explore risk factors for ischemic stroke in adolescent migraineurs, including migraine aura.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

