Migraine, Ischemic Stroke and
The relationship between migraine and ischemic stroke is complex. Migraine is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. This increased risk is most robust for women with migraine with aura. The cause for this association is not clear and various explanations have been postulated. People with migraine are also more likely to have small asymptomatic white matter lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging, particularly in the cerebellum. Although often assumed to be a consequence of ischemia, the cause of these lesions is also unclear. Great care should be exercised in ascribing the cause of stroke to migraine. A thorough evaluation for other etiologies and risk factors should be performed and appropriate treatment should be provided.
