Migraine-related ischemic stroke?

Abstract

Introduction: Migraine, especially migraine with aura, has been described to be associated with an increased risk for ischemic stroke. An increased incidence of silent lesions in the posterior circulation has also been described.

Method: Six cases with migraine and stroke in close relation over time were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: All patients had previously known MA or MO and suffered from a stroke within the first 24-hour period after an acute migraine attack. None of the patients fulfilled the IHS criteria for migrainous infarction. Four out of these six patients had a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or an atrial septal defect (ASD).

Discussion: None of these cases can be categorized as migrainous infarctions according to IHS. However, the migraine attack might have been involved in the mechanisms for the development of the infarctions.