Research shows foramen ovale link with migraine

    Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
    |January 12, 2017
    PubMed

    Insights

    Severe migraine forms may stem from a patent foramen ovale (PFO). UK researchers suggest this heart defect could be a key factor in debilitating migraine cases.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurology
    • Cardiology
    • Medical Research

    Background:

    • Migraine is a common neurological disorder.
    • The underlying causes of severe migraine are not fully understood.
    • Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is a heart defect present in some individuals.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the potential link between patent foramen ovale and severe migraine.
    • To explore PFO as a contributing factor in complex migraine cases.

    Main Methods:

    • The study was conducted by UK researchers.
    • Methods involved analyzing patient data and potentially diagnostic procedures related to PFO and migraine severity.

    Main Results:

    • Preliminary findings suggest a correlation between patent foramen ovale and severe migraine.
    • The research indicates PFO may be implicated in the most intense forms of migraine.

    Conclusions:

    • Patent foramen ovale is a potential cause for severe migraine.
    • Further research is warranted to confirm the causal relationship and explore treatment implications.

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