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Migraine and intracranial vascular malformations
J M Monteiro1, M J Rosas, A P Correia
1Department of Neurology, Hospital Santo António, Porto, Portugal.
Headache
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Migraine headaches are common in patients with intracranial vascular malformations (IVM). A strong correlation exists between the AVM site and headache side, suggesting a potential link requiring further study.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- The relationship between migraine and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) remains controversial, often based on limited case reports.
- A structured approach to classifying headaches in patients with intracranial vascular malformations (IVM) is needed to clarify this association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of headaches in patients with confirmed intracranial vascular malformations (IVM).
- To explore potential correlations between headache patterns and the type or location of IVM.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 51 patients with IVM admitted between 1984 and 1992.
- Utilized self-administered headache questionnaires and clinical interviews based on International Headache Society (IHS) criteria for diagnosis.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of 47% for migraine-type headaches was observed in the studied IVM patient cohort.
- A significant positive correlation (88.8%) was found between the anatomical site of the arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and the laterality of headache pain.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a potential pathophysiological link between IVM and migraine-type headaches, though not definitively proven.
- Prospective studies employing questionnaires or semi-structured interviews are essential to establish the true prevalence and characteristics of headaches associated with IVM.