To Be or Not to Be Patent: The Relationship Between Migraine and Patent Foramen Ovale

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 8, 2026

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

7.0K

Nihan Kahya Eren1, Nazlı G Bülbül2, Selcen Yakar Tülüce1

  • 1Cardiology Department, Izmir Katip Celebi University Ataturk Education and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.

Headache
|July 2, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study found no significant difference in the prevalence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) between migraine patients and healthy individuals. The findings question the proposed link between PFO and migraine headaches.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Migraine is a common neurological disorder with an unclear cause.
  • A potential link between migraine and patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been suggested, but existing data are conflicting.
  • This study aimed to clarify the association between PFO and migraine.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively investigate the prevalence of PFO in migraine patients compared to control subjects.
  • To determine if PFO is more common in individuals experiencing migraines.
  • To assess the association between PFO and migraine with or without aura.

Main Methods:

  • Transthoracic echocardiography with agitated saline injection was used to detect PFO.
  • 203 migraine patients and 212 age- and gender-matched controls were enrolled.
  • PFO presence was confirmed by observing microbubbles in cardiac chambers after saline injection, with and without provocative maneuvers.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of PFO was similar in migraine patients (42%) and control subjects (44%).
  • No statistically significant difference in PFO prevalence was observed between migraineurs with aura (41%) and without aura (42%).
  • The odds ratio for PFO in migraine patients was 0.90 (95% CI 0.61-1.33, P=.61).

Conclusions:

  • The study suggests that PFO is not more prevalent in migraine patients compared to healthy individuals.
  • The findings indicate that the proposed pathophysiological link between migraine and PFO may be questionable.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between PFO and migraine.
Keywords:
echocardiographymigrainepatent foramen ovale

More Related Videos

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache10:39

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache

Published on: June 2, 2014

18.9K
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure07:41

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Published on: February 8, 2022

4.5K

Related Concept Videos

Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management01:19

Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management

The nursing management of Mitral Valve Prolapse, or MVP, centers around patient education, symptom monitoring, and lifestyle modifications.Patient Education on MVP Diagnosis and Heredity: Nurses should provide comprehensive education about MVP, a condition where the mitral valve does not close appropriately during heartbeats. This education often includes the condition's pathophysiology, symptoms, and potential complications, like arrhythmias or mitral regurgitation. Though not fully...
535
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction01:27

Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...
947
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
1.4K
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management01:22

Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management

IntroductionA range of clinical features characterizes Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), but it is important to note that many individuals with MVP are asymptomatic and may remain so throughout their lives. For those who do exhibit symptoms, the following are the key clinical features:Palpitations: This is a common symptom where individuals feel an irregular or rapid heartbeat. Palpitations in MVP are often due to arrhythmias such as premature ventricular contractions or supraventricular...
1.1K
The Arch of Aorta01:10

The Arch of Aorta

The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
2.3K
Arteries of the Head and Neck01:26

Arteries of the Head and Neck

The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
4.4K