Prognosis of migraine with aura

Abstract

The present study is a 16-year follow-up study assessing the long-term outcome of migraine with aura (MA). Additionally possible predictive factors in the prognosis of MA were evaluated. Patients were recruited from the files of Danish headache clinics. A total of 53 patients (11M:42F) with MA (IHS criteria) participated in a follow-up interview. At follow-up attacks had ceased (no MA for 2 years) in 36% of patients. Attacks had ceased in 55% of males and 31% of females (P = 0.17). Attacks had ceased in 41% of patients with visual aura without other aura symptoms and in 25% of those with sensory or aphasic aura besides their visual aura (P = 0.36). Among those with attacks of MA at follow-up frequency of attacks and headache intensity was improved in 44% and 41% of the patients, respectively. The results point to a favourable evolution of MA and suggest possible predictive factors.