Last update:
26-Sep-2007

The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with migraine. A review was made of reports in the relevant international literature. Observational studies that examined the correlation between migraine and risk of ischemic stroke were taken into account. Τhe relative risk of ischemic stroke in patients with migraine with aura was calculated to be between 1.0 and 14.85, while the relative risk in patients without aura was reported to be between 0.8 and 8.6. Migraine is related to ischemic stroke in two ways: (a) through the presence of migrainous infarction and (b) by the possibility of being an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke. The occurrence of white matter foci appears to strengthen the likelihood of a possible relationship between migraine and stroke. Vasoconstriction, cortical spreading ischemia, high platelet gathering and elevated serum levels of prothrombin F1.2 are few of the potential mechanisms that explain the relationship between migraine and stroke. On the other hand, migraine coexists with other diseases that commonly cause ischemic stroke (such as MELAS, CADASIL, dissection, etc.). It is reported that patients who smoke or take oral contraceptives or are in the childbearing age are at higher risk of ischemic stroke. Although the diagnosis of migraine remains steady, it is highly recommended to aim at early identification, evaluation and treatment of the potential risk factors for ischemic stroke in patients with migraine.

Key words: Ischemic stroke, Migraine.