Status Migrainosus and Stroke

So, that's Status Migraine.

But how can Status Migraine be potentially-dangerous?

Let's find out.

About Stroke

Stroke is the third biggest killer of people in the USA.

In stroke, the blood-supply to part of the brain gets cut-off.

There are two types of stroke:

• Ischemic: Where a blood clot halts the blood supply (85% of cases)
• Haemorrhagic: Where a weakened blood vessel wall bursts

Migraine-related strokes are generally Ischemic, though Sacco and colleagues (2013) found an increased risk of Haemorrhagic stroke. 

Stroke and Migraine

27% of stokes in women under the age of 45 are caused by migraine.

A 2009 review of 25 studies found that the risk of ischemic stroke for any migraine was increased. The risk was particularly marked in those who had migraine with aura.

The risk was also particular higher in:

• Women
• Those under age 45
• Smokers
• Women using oral contraceptives

READ Do You Suffer From Migraines? Follow These Tips To Lower Your Risk

Why are young migraineur women at such a high risk of stroke?

In short, we're not really sure. Research is currently being undertaken in young migraineur women's tendency to clot (the prothrobotic factor) and its possible connection to migraine with aura. Research by Lynch and colleagues (2005) has shown that the prothrobotic factor, including faulty coagulation of blood, leads to a tendency to stroke (even in very young children).

Research is continuing, and it is thought that vascular differences between migraineurs and non-migraineurs may be discovered.

Stroke and Status Migraine

When we have a migraine, the pain is caused by dilation of the blood vessels in the head. That's why triptans work for migraineurs; they force our blood vessels to constrict.

Extended dilation of our blood vessels (as in a Status Migraine, which lasts for more than 72 consecutive hours) raises the risk of a stroke.

Additionally, due to the symptoms of a Status Migraine (slurred speech, mental confusion, weak limbs), it's possible to miss the symptoms of a stroke.

READ Curiouser and Curiouser: Alice in Wonderland Syndrome and Other Migraine Auras

What should I look out for?

If you suffer with Status Migraine, or any migraine, you should be on the lookout for the following signs:

• The worst headache of your life: if you can ever describe your headache as "the worst of your life", always see a doctor as a matter of urgency.
• New (or worse) paralysis or numbness you've never experienced before
• New or worse slurring of your speech, inability to remember or pronounce words
• Loss of consciousness
• Unremitting pain for 72 hours

Even if your symptoms turn out to not be significant, it's always best to be safe.

What now?

Director of the City of London Migraine Clinic, Dr. Anne MacGregor, says:

"There is no doubt that there is a relationship between migraine and stroke, and that the risk is greater with aura migraines... We do not want people with migraine to think they are at high risk of having a stroke... The absolute numbers are very small. You are far more likely to get a stroke from smoking. That's the big risk factor."

The closing message is to look after yourself, see your doctor, and to not panic.