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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Migraine and oral contraceptives
1University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Summary
Oral contraceptives (OCs) may alter migraine patterns and increase stroke risk, particularly for those with migraine with aura. Risk assessment considering migraine type and other factors is crucial for safe OC prescription.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Women's Health
Background:
- Migraine, especially with aura, is linked to increased ischemic stroke risk.
- Oral contraceptives (OCs) are also associated with elevated stroke risk.
- The combined effect of migraine and OCs on stroke risk requires careful consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of oral contraceptive initiation on migraine characteristics.
- To assess the additive effect of migraine and oral contraceptives on ischemic stroke risk.
- To determine factors influencing the safe prescription of OCs for migraine patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on migraine, oral contraceptives, and stroke risk.
- Analysis of how OC therapy affects migraine patterns.
- Evaluation of stroke risk factors in women with migraine using OCs.
Main Results:
- OC initiation can alter migraine patterns in some women; others experience no change or improvement.
- Migraine, particularly with aura, increases ischemic stroke risk.
- The stroke risk from migraine and OCs may be additive.
- Risk remains low in young women with uncomplicated migraine/aura but increases with complex aura or additional risk factors (age, smoking, hypertension).
Conclusions:
- Prescribing OCs to women with migraine requires a comprehensive assessment of individual risk factors.
- Patient age, migraine type (aura presence/complexity), and other stroke risk factors are critical determinants of safe OC use.
- Careful patient selection is essential to mitigate potential increases in ischemic stroke risk.
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