Frequent Migraines May Signal Stroke Risk

November 17, 2009 6:50 a.m. EST

Orlando, FL (AHN) - Migraine headaches may be a harbinger to the most common type of stroke, according to a new study.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions pooled the results of 21 studies involving 622,381 men and women and came to the conclusion that the risk of stroke is 2.3 times higher in migraine sufferers than in those who do not get the headaches.

The participants were between ages 18 and 70, and mostly from North America and Europe.

The type of stroke discussed in the study is when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly cut off by the buildup of plaque or a blood clot.

The Johns Hopkins researchers presented the study at the Nov. 16 American Heart Association's annual Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Fla.