Migraine and the mitral valve prolapse syndrome

We believe there is a significant association between migraine and the prolapse mitral valve syndrome. Propranolol is the drug of choice in these patients for the treatment and prevention of migraine. Increased platelet aggregability may be the common pathophysiologic mechanism as relates to emboli from the valve and possibly in strokes related to migraine. Recognition of the association of the two syndromes will result in appropriate subacute bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis for patients at risk as well as prevention of improper medication to those patients with migraine who are at risk for stroke.