What is the relationship between migraine and stroke risk?
Several observational studies have suggested an association between migraine and an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Kurth et al. (2009) found that migraine frequency was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women. Schurks et al. (2010) reported that migraine and migraine features were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, Kurth et al. (2010) showed that migraine was associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in women. Further, Scher et al. (2009) found that migraine headache in middle age was associated with an increased risk of late-life brain infarcts. Lastly, Kruit et al. (2005; 2010) reported that migraine was associated with an increased risk of deep white matter lesions, subclinical posterior circulation infarcts, and brain iron accumulation.