Migraine and cerebrovascular disease.
The association between migraine and stroke is complex and bidirectional. Epidemiological studies suggest that migraine may be a risk factor for stroke; magnetic resonance studies suggest that white matter abnormalities may be more frequent in migraine patients than in controls; and stroke may occur during the course of a migraine with aura (MA) attack (migrainous stroke). However, the relationship between migraine, aura and stroke is complex and mechanisms other than a direct cause/effect relationship are possible. Migraine aura may be the consequence, rather than the cause of cerebral ischaemia. Furthermore both MA and stroke may be secondary to a third underlying condition. In this review we analyse data regarding the relationship between migraine and stroke considering 3 aspects: (1) migraine as a risk factor for stroke, (2) migraine as a cause of stroke and (3) migraine and cerebral ischaemia sharing a common cause.
Agostoni
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Neurological Department, A. Manzoni Hospital, Via dell'Eremo 9/11, I-23900 Lecco (LC), Italy. e.agostoni@libero.it
Rigamonti
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A
D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002536:Cerebral Arteries / Q000503:physiopathology; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D028361:Mitochondrial Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000473:pathology; D012307:Risk Factors