Menu
14/12/2004
Risk of stroke 'double' for migraine sufferers, says BMA
Migraine sufferers are twice as likely to suffer a stroke than those who do not experience migraines, according to a report in this week's British Medical Journal.
In the first review of its kind, researchers in Canada and the US looked at 14 studies which investigated an association between stroke and migraine. They found that the risk of stroke for migraine sufferers was over twice, 2.16 times, than for non-sufferers.
According to the research, people who have also have 'aura', interrupted vision from light affects with their migraine, were at slightly higher risk than those without - 2.27 times as likely to suffer a stroke compared to 1.86.
Three of the studies showed that women migraine sufferers who are also taking the oral contraceptive pill were up to eight times more likely to suffer a stroke than those not taking the pill. These results were at odds with other studies that have suggested a smaller degree of increased risk for women in this category. The BMA said that this indicated that much more research was needed in this area.
Researchers suggest that the increased risk of stroke is probably down to the reduced blood flow to the brain which usually occurs in a migraine.
Migraine is the most common form of headache in young adults, with as many as a quarter of women in their mid to late thirties suffering the condition. The link between migraine and stroke established in this review raises new questions about whether these two conditions share similar risk factors, which must be further researched.
In particular, much more investigation is needed into risk factors for migraine sufferers who are taking oral contraceptives, concluded the BMA.
(SP)
In the first review of its kind, researchers in Canada and the US looked at 14 studies which investigated an association between stroke and migraine. They found that the risk of stroke for migraine sufferers was over twice, 2.16 times, than for non-sufferers.
According to the research, people who have also have 'aura', interrupted vision from light affects with their migraine, were at slightly higher risk than those without - 2.27 times as likely to suffer a stroke compared to 1.86.
Three of the studies showed that women migraine sufferers who are also taking the oral contraceptive pill were up to eight times more likely to suffer a stroke than those not taking the pill. These results were at odds with other studies that have suggested a smaller degree of increased risk for women in this category. The BMA said that this indicated that much more research was needed in this area.
Researchers suggest that the increased risk of stroke is probably down to the reduced blood flow to the brain which usually occurs in a migraine.
Migraine is the most common form of headache in young adults, with as many as a quarter of women in their mid to late thirties suffering the condition. The link between migraine and stroke established in this review raises new questions about whether these two conditions share similar risk factors, which must be further researched.
In particular, much more investigation is needed into risk factors for migraine sufferers who are taking oral contraceptives, concluded the BMA.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 November 2010
Vitamin E Risks Haemorrhagic Stroke
A new study published today by the British Medical Journal has warned about the widespread use of vitamin E due to a suspected increased risk of a certain type of stroke.
Vitamin E Risks Haemorrhagic Stroke
A new study published today by the British Medical Journal has warned about the widespread use of vitamin E due to a suspected increased risk of a certain type of stroke.
20 February 2009
Unhealthy Lifestyle More Than Doubles Stroke Risk
People who lead unhealthy lifestyles are more than twice as likely to suffer a stroke than those who eat and drink sensibly, don’t smoke, and take regular exercise, finds a study published on bmj.com today. Stroke is one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide.
Unhealthy Lifestyle More Than Doubles Stroke Risk
People who lead unhealthy lifestyles are more than twice as likely to suffer a stroke than those who eat and drink sensibly, don’t smoke, and take regular exercise, finds a study published on bmj.com today. Stroke is one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide.
14 March 2005
More improvement needed in stroke patient care
Many stroke patients are still missing out on vital fundamental treatment, a report has found. The National Sentinel Audit for Stroke, the largest ever examination into the care of stroke patients in England, Wales and Northern Ireland highlighted a number of areas where stroke treatment could be improved.
More improvement needed in stroke patient care
Many stroke patients are still missing out on vital fundamental treatment, a report has found. The National Sentinel Audit for Stroke, the largest ever examination into the care of stroke patients in England, Wales and Northern Ireland highlighted a number of areas where stroke treatment could be improved.
29 October 2015
New Campaign Urges Public To 'Act FAST' On Stroke
Public Health England (PHE) and Stroke Association has launched a new public awareness campaign, urging people the Act FAST if they spot the signs of stroke. According to PHE, a person loses 2 million nerve cells every minute that they do not receive medical treatment during a stroke.
New Campaign Urges Public To 'Act FAST' On Stroke
Public Health England (PHE) and Stroke Association has launched a new public awareness campaign, urging people the Act FAST if they spot the signs of stroke. According to PHE, a person loses 2 million nerve cells every minute that they do not receive medical treatment during a stroke.
28 February 2011
Act F.A.S.T. Campaign Relaunched To Save More Lives
An award-winning NHS stroke awareness campaign will screen again in 2011, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced today. The Act F.A.S.T. campaign has raised awareness of the importance of getting people who are having a stroke to hospital quickly through its graphic depiction of stroke spreading like fire in the brain.
Act F.A.S.T. Campaign Relaunched To Save More Lives
An award-winning NHS stroke awareness campaign will screen again in 2011, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced today. The Act F.A.S.T. campaign has raised awareness of the importance of getting people who are having a stroke to hospital quickly through its graphic depiction of stroke spreading like fire in the brain.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
