Are frequent migraines a risk factor for stroke?
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Aug 28, 2017
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Dr. Richard Kim discusses migraines as a risk factor for stroke.
Are frequent migraines a risk factor for stroke?
Certain patients with migraine are at an increase risk of stroke, but it's not everyone. The patients that are at an increased risk of stroke are females with migraine with aura. Studies show that in females with migraine with aura, their about a two-fold increase risk of stroke. There are other factors that can increase that risk further, if a patient is on estrogen-containing therapy, such as estrogen-containing birth control, that increases their risk of stroke six- fold. If they smoke, nine-fold. It's basically controlling risk factors to lower your risk of stroke, so follow up with your primary care doctor and make sure your blood pressure is controlled, that your cholesterol is okay, that you don't have diabetes, and get those addressed if they need to.