Migraine Doubles 'Silent Stroke' Risk

Migraine can up stroke risk, a new study shows.

Researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine found that older migraine sufferers had two times higher risk of developing ischemic silent brain infarction than people who didn't report migraines.

Migraines are attacks of moderate to severe pain that causes a throbbing or pulsating effect, usually on one side of the head. Previously, research has shown that migraine could lead to brain damage. About 12 percent of the U.S. population suffers from the condition.

Ischemic silent brain infarctions are called silent strokes because they are usually symptomless. However, these infarctions can increase stroke risk.

"I do not believe migraine sufferers should worry, as the risk of ischemic stroke in people with migraine is considered small," said Dr. Teshamae Monteith, the study's lead author, in a news release from the American Heart Association.

 "However, those with migraine and vascular risk factors may want to pay greater attention to lifestyle changes that can reduce stroke risk, such as exercising and eating a low-fat diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables," Monteith said in a news release.

Data for the research came from Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS), which follows some 3,289 participants to understand how stroke affects people, Medical Daily reported.

Researchers assessed medical records of 100 people with migraines and 442 without the condition.

The team found that people with migraines had two times higher risk of developing silent strokes. Researchers had accounted for other risk factors for stroke such as age and heart disease history.

Will treatment to prevent migraine attacks help reduce stroke occurrence? Researchers said that they aren't sure. "But it may be a good idea to seek treatment from a migraine specialist if your headaches are out of control," Monteith added.

Nobody knows what causes migraines and there is no cure for the condition. According to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, migraines can be prevented by certain drugs, behavioral and dietary changes.

The National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke funded the study and it is published in the journal Stroke.