Dutch researchers found significantly increased brain lesions (dead brain cells) in some people who have regular migraine headaches. These lesions were especially common in migraine sufferers who also experienced a visual problem or aura – seeing a glow or light prior to the headache.
In the Dutch study, 295 migraine sufferers were compared with 140 people who did not experience migraine headaches. None of the participants had a history of stroke or heart attack prior to the study. Brain magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were used to determine if each person had brain lesions. The results of this study were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Results
Those who did not experience migraine headaches had less than a one percent chance of having a brain lesion. Those who experienced migraines at least once a month had more than a five-fold incidence of brain lesions. And those with migraines and visual problems (auras) had more than 13 times the risk of lesions.
Implications
Migraines that are associated with brain lesions can indicate the presence of progressive brain disease. The researchers feel that migraine headaches should no longer be looked at as unrelated episodes. Treatment methods are being studied. If you have migraines, especially if the headaches are associated with visual or auditory aura, you should see your doctor right away. |
