A recent American study (published on the British Medical Journal website, March 11, 2009) describes how women who suffer from migraines have an increased risk of stroke during pregnancy. There is also an increased risk of other vascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and thrombosis. However, these events are generally very rare.

The data was collected from over 18 million women treated in US hospitals. 33,956 pregnant women diagnosed with migraine were examined between 2000 and 2003.

Migraines were present in up to 26% of women of childbearing age. Between the ages of 35 and 39, the prevalence of migraines is around 33%. The study describes that women aged 40 and older are 2.4 times more likely to suffer from migraines than women under 20.

  • Women who suffer from migraines during pregnancy have up to a 15-fold increased risk of stroke compared to non-migraine patients.
  • A threefold increased risk of thrombosis was also observed, and
  • a twice as high risk of heart attacks.

Vascular risk factors were also found to be very closely associated with migraine. These risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking. The data confirm previous study results showing that migraine and pregnancy are associated with a 17-fold increased risk of stroke. However, it must be emphasized that the overall risk of stroke during pregnancy is low. Four strokes occur in every 100,000 births, which is approximately 1 in 25,000. Nevertheless, the study data demonstrate the importance of carefully screening and counseling pregnant women regarding risk factors for vascular disease.

The authors suggest that the connection can be explained by an interaction between migraines and pregnancy-related bodily changes. These include, in particular, increased blood volume and heart rate with heightened stress on the vascular system.

Professor Göbel comments on the results: The study data show that pregnancy increases the risk of vascular complications such as thrombosis, heart attack, or stroke. This risk is significantly elevated for migraine patients, even though it is generally low. Physicians treating pregnant patients should pay close attention to vascular symptoms in conjunction with a migraine history to prevent potential complications early on. Conversely, it is crucial that pregnant women with migraines receive a thorough migraine diagnosis and the best possible migraine treatment.