Investigating the Patent Foramen Ovale-Migraine Link in Southern Saudi Arabia

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache
05:40

Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache

Published on: July 29, 2021

Al-Amir Bassiouny Mohamed1, Maeed Alkathiri2, Saad Mushabab Ali Alqahtani2

  • 1Department of Neurology and Psychological Medicine, Sohag University, Egypt.

Neurosciences (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
|July 8, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Migraine patients with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) often experience aura, family history, and positional worsening. PFO is linked to greater migraine disability and symptom severity.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Migraine is a disabling neurological condition.
  • A potential link between migraine and patent foramen ovale (PFO) is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between PFO and specific migraine characteristics.
  • To compare migraine patients with and without PFO.

Main Methods:

  • Single-center observational study with 45 participants (30 with PFO, 15 controls).
  • Utilized transthoracic echocardiography and standardized questionnaires (MIDAS, HIT-6, MSSS, ASC-12, VARS, mTOQ-6).

Main Results:

  • Migraine with aura was more prevalent in the PFO group.
  • Positive family history, suboptimal treatment response, and positional symptom exacerbation were linked to PFO.
  • Significant differences in fibrinogen levels and migraine impact scores (MIDAS, HIT-6, MSSS, ASC-12, mTOQ-6) were observed between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Migraine associated with PFO shows distinct features, including aura, family history, and positional exacerbation.
  • Findings suggest a significant association between PFO and migraine characteristics, potentially impacting clinical management.
Keywords:
Foramen ovaleHeart septal defectsMigraine disordersMigraine with auraPatent

Related Concept Videos

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment01:28

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment

Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...