 |
 |

Migraine Is Associated With Magnetic Resonance Imaging White Matter Abnormalities
A Meta-analysis
Richard H. Swartz, BSc(Hon), PhD;
Ralph Z. Kern, MD, MHSc, FRCPC
Arch Neurol. 2004;61:1366-1368.
Background There is controversy as to whether migraine is associated with white matter abnormalities (WMAs) on magnetic resonance images. These abnormalities may be important as a risk factor for future stroke. Further, it is controversial whether any increased risk of WMAs is attributable to comorbidities such as vascular disease.
Methods A meta-analysis of published case-control studies was undertaken to address the relationship between migraine and magnetic resonance imaging WMAs. Seven studies were identified. Data from studies reporting the incidence of magnetic resonance imaging WMAs in those with migraine and appropriate control populations were used to calculate odds ratios for WMAs in migraine for each study. A stratified meta-analysis was performed using studies that did and did not exclude subjects with disease comorbidities.
Results The summary odds ratio shows that those with migraine are at increased risk for WMAs (odds ratio, 3.9 [95% confidence interval, 2.26-6.72]). The risk does not differ between studies that included subjects with comorbidities and those that did not.
Conclusion This meta-analysis demonstrates that subjects with migraine are at higher risk of having WMAs on magnetic resonance images than those without migraine. This increased risk is present even in younger individuals who do not have co-occurring cerebrovascular disease risk factors. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether the increased risk of stroke in migraine is mediated or foreshadowed by the presence of WMAs.
Author Affiliations: Mount Sinai Hospital, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES
Endothelial repair capacity and migraine: The fix is in
Elkind
Neurology 2008;70:1506-1507.
FULL TEXT
Association between cortical metabolite levels and clinical manifestations of migrainous aura: an MR-spectroscopy study
Schulz et al.
Brain 2007;130:3102-3110.
ABSTRACT
| FULL TEXT
Migraine Mediates the Influence of C677T MTHFR Genotypes on Ischemic Stroke Risk With a Stroke-Subtype Effect
Pezzini et al.
Stroke 2007;38:3145-3151.
ABSTRACT
| FULL TEXT
Case 21-2007 -- A 58-Year-Old Woman with Headaches, Weakness, and Strokelike Episodes
Greer et al.
NEJM 2007;357:164-173.
FULL TEXT
How migraines impact cognitive function: Findings from the Baltimore ECA
Kalaydjian et al.
Neurology 2007;68:1417-1424.
ABSTRACT
| FULL TEXT
Migraine and cognitive function: Some reassuring news
Elkind and Scher
Neurology 2005;64:590-591.
FULL TEXT
Migraines and White-Matter Abnormalities
JWatch Psychiatry 2004;2004:8-8.
FULL TEXT
|