Migraine With Aura Increases Stroke Risk
Migraine headaches are sometimes preceded by visual disturbances known as aura. The aura usually lasts for a few minutes up to several hours. It is followed by headache. Occasionally auras can even occur without headaches.
The migraine patient might experience visual disturbance in one or both the eyes. Auras appear as flashing lights, zigzag lines, blind spots, hallucinations, intense sensitivity to light and blurred vision. One might even experience eye pain when the aura occurs.
Migraine with aura increases stroke risk
Migraine with aura should not be ignored. Studies have shown that migraine with aura might increase the risk of stroke and heart diseases. Majority of migraine patients are women.
Health experts believe that almost 20 per cent middle-aged women suffer from migraine headaches. Nearly one third of migraine patients experience visual disturbances or aura.
In a study, researchers in Iceland have found that compared to non-migraine sufferers people suffering from migraine with aura are about 21 percent more likely to die earlier from any cause.
Moreover, people with migraine with aura, compared to people without the condition, have 27 per cent greater risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases. Among women, those with migraine with aura have 19 per cent greater risk of dying from non-heart diseases than women without migraine.
Researchers have further observed that women suffering from migraine with aura are more vulnerable to hemorrhage stroke. Unlike ischemic strokes, which develop due to blood clots in the blood vessels, hemorrhage stroke develops when a blood vessel ruptures.
Stroke prevention in people with migraine with aura
People suffering from migraine with aura should frequently monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels to reduce the risks of strokes and cardiovascular diseases. Migraine with aura could be prevented with medications.
Beta-blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants or antihistamines are often prescribed for treating this condition. Certain foods are known to trigger migraine attacks. Maintaining a food journal or headache diary could help you to identify food substances associated with this condition.
Food items often associated with migraine attacks include chocolate, citrus fruits, aged cheese, avocado, banana, plum, wine, raisins, food additives, artificial sweeteners, ice cream, cold foods and monosodium glutamate. Migraine patients should avoid medications that might trigger migraine.
