🫀 Migraine Stroke Risk

We've known for a long time that people with migraine seem to be at higher risk of stroke. This is one of many reasons why I have argued that migraine should be treated as something serious, and not brushed off as "just a headache".

A study published this month in the medical journal Neurology took at look at the issue from a different perspective. What about middle-aged and older adults?

This, of course, could have implications about treating migraine early to avoid later problems, although the study didn't collect data to answer that question.

The first result wasn't too surprising. Risk was found in those who had migraine with aura. In this case, only visual aura - or "visual changes" before an attack. Those who experience visual changes are at a higher risk of stroke - this is in line with many other studies.

The good news is that there was no increased risk for other types of migraine in this age group. With an exception.

Men under 72 were at higher risk of stroke, no matter what kind of migraine they had. In this study, that would be ages 45-71.

The stroke in this study was ischemic stroke, that is, a stroke cause by problems with blood flow.

Why men of this age are at greater risk is uncertain. If you want to dig deep, you can look at the study itself. But it may have to do with the age at which men tend to get migraine.

With the information we have today on migraine and stroke, or any heart conditions, there are two things that are important to remember:

Migraine is not the main defining risk factor. In other words, migraine itself will not skyrocket your risk - it is one factor among many, and in no way guarantees a stroke. But your risk is higher.
Therefore, it's important to treat your migraine and to minimize other risk factors. In other words, take migraine seriously, and also take your risk seriously by taking care of your health overall.

For more information, check out Reducing Stroke Risk When You Have Migraine.

Migraine Stroke Risk

Recent Posts at Headache and Migraine News...

🫀 Migraine Stroke Risk

Recent Posts at Headache and Migraine News...