Examining the Link Between Ocular Migraines and Stroke Probabilities
Migraine with aura, a type of migraine that affects around 30% of all migraine sufferers, may lead to an increased risk of stroke, according to recent research. Here's what you need to know about this connection and how to manage the risk.
Hormonal Contraceptives, Genetic Predisposition, and Demographics
Studies have shown that using combined hormonal contraceptive pills can significantly increase the risk of ischemic stroke for individuals with migraine with aura, with a six-fold increased risk in some cases[1]. Additionally, some migraines, like hemiplegic migraines, can be inherited, and these may also carry a higher risk of stroke-like symptoms or actual strokes[2]. Women under 50 years old are at a higher risk of stroke if they experience migraines with aura[1].
Smoking, Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO), and Brain Lesions
Smoking is a general risk factor for stroke and can exacerbate the risk in people with migraines[2]. Individuals with migraine with aura should be screened for a PFO, as this can increase the risk of stroke[1]. People with migraines are more likely to have subclinical brain infarctions and lesions in white matter, which can increase the risk of stroke[1].
Identifying Stroke Symptoms in Migraine with Aura
The FAST acronym (Face drooping or numbness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Time to contact emergency services) can help identify stroke symptoms. However, people who usually have migraine attacks with aura should note any attacks that feel different or go on for longer than usual, as these could be signs of a stroke[3]. Slurring and speech difficulties might also occur during migraine with aura episodes.
Preventive Measures and Treatment
Preventive measures against migraine may not reduce a person's risk of stroke in the future, but they can still provide additional comfort and reduce disabling migraine attacks. Lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy body weight, getting regular exercise, not smoking, managing medical conditions, and treating heart disease can help prevent stroke. Treatment for migraine involves managing symptoms such as headache pain, nausea, and vomiting with various medications.
The Importance of Medical Consultation
Given the increased risk of stroke in individuals with migraine with aura, it's crucial to consult a physician about any changes to the way migraine symptoms are experienced. The American Migraine Foundation suggests that around 2,000-3,000 of the 800,000 strokes that occur each year are in women with migraine[4]. Effective stroke treatment relies on spotting symptoms quickly, so it's essential to be aware of any changes in your migraine symptoms and seek medical advice promptly.
[1] American Migraine Foundation. (2020). Migraine and Stroke: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-and-stroke-what-you-need-to-know/ [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hemiplegic migraine. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemiplegic-migraine/symptoms-causes/syc-20366314 [3] American Stroke Association. (2021). FAST. Retrieved from https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/symptoms [4] American Migraine Foundation. (2021). Stroke and Migraine: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/stroke-and-migraine-what-you-need-to-know/
- The increased risk of stroke in individuals with migraine with aura is a concern, especially for women under 50 years old.
- Using combined hormonal contraceptive pills can significantly heighten the risk of ischemic stroke for people who already suffer from migraine with aura.
- Some inherited migraines, such as hemiplegic migraines, may carry a higher risk of both stroke-like symptoms and actual strokes.
- In people with migraine with aura, smoking can exacerbate the risk of stroke.
- Those with migraines, particularly migraine with aura, should be screened for Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) as it increases the risk of stroke.
- Those with migraines are more likely to have subclinical brain infarctions and lesions in white matter, increasing the risk of stroke.
- During migraine with aura episodes, slurring and speech difficulties might occur, which could potentially be indicative of a stroke.
- Effective stroke treatment depends on spotting symptoms quickly, so it's essential to be aware of any changes in your migraine symptoms and seek medical advice promptly.
- In addition to preventive measures, treatment for migraines involves managing symptoms like headache pain, nausea, and vomiting with various medications.
- Stroke prevention involves maintaining a healthy body weight, getting regular exercise, avoiding smoking, managing medical conditions, and treating heart disease, all of which contribute to overall health-and-wellness, cardiovascular-health, mental-health, fitness-and-exercise, and nutrition.
