Young Women Suffering Migraine without Cardiac History Suffer Ischemic Strokes

In contrast to stroke in the general population, meta-analysis of studies of migraine-related stroke show that it is most prevalent in young persons, particularly woman, and even across the spectrum of age, it is more likely in persons with low vascular risk profiles. These findings suggest that migraine-related strokes are non-atherosclerotic in nature, and this is supported by a large population based study showing that functional and structural measures of atherosclerosis are not more common in migraine compared to controls.

According to information cited in an article published in Headache, migraine, especially with aura, is associated with high estrogen states, thrombocytosis, erythrocytosis, and elevated circulating levels of vWF antigen, fibrinogen, tPA antigen, and EMP, while meta-analyses refute a link between migraine, Factor V Leiden, and the prothrombin gene mutation.

Tietjen GE, Collins SA. Hypercoagulability and migraine. Headache. Accessed April 27, 2017.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28181217

If you or someone you know has been suffering from migraine headaches and would like help, call Dr. Burdorf at 480-951-5006, or schedule an appointment here.