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Changes in Migraine Symptoms after Ischemic Stroke: A Cohort Study

Nelleke van der Weerd, N. Pelzer, Emma Egberts, M. Mertens, W. Bakker, K. Linstra, A. M. van den Maagdenberg, E. V. van Zwet et al.

Cerebrovascular Diseases, 2024

78 participants

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Migraine symptoms are postulated to improve post-stroke. We aimed to determine post-stroke changes in patients with active migraine pre-stroke and explored the relation with stroke location and stroke-preventive medication use. Methods: Patients with active migraine who had an ischemic stroke were retrieved from three research-cohorts between 2014 and 2021. By an interview, we retrospectively investigated first-year post-stroke changes for those ischemic stroke patients that suffered from migraine pre-stroke. Associations between change in migraine frequency/intensity/aura (decrease, no change, increase), stroke location (posterior location vs. other), and use of secondary stroke preventive medication were assessed by ordinal regression with adjustment for confounders. Results: We included 78 patients (mean age 48 years, 86% women, 47% with aura). Change in migraine symptomatology was reported by 63 (81%) patients; 51 (81%) noticed a decrease in attack frequency (27 no attacks) and 12 (19%) an increase. Pain intensity change was reported by 18 (35%) patients (50% increase, 50% decrease). Aura symptomatology improved in 4 (11%). Reduced attack frequency was not related to posterior stroke (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.6–3.9), or preventive medication (antiplatelets OR = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.2–3.7; coumarin OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 0.4–20.6). Conclusions: Most patients with active pre-stroke migraine experience improvement of their symptoms in the first year after ischemic…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 78 participants or records.

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