HEALTH SMART

.......MIGRAINES AND RISK OF STROKE...
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AS MANY AS

17 percent of women and 6 percent of men have experienced the debilitating of a migraine.
Research shows that women who have migraines accompanied by their distinctive "aura" symptoms are at greater risk of having a stroke than those who don't get migraines.

WHY THE LINK?

Migraine headaches are caused by inflammation of the arteries surrounding the brain.
Other arteries inside the brain may spasm during an attack as well, temporarily cutting off circulation, thus increasing the odds of a stroke.

ADDITIONAL RISKS

Abnormalities in the lining of arteries may also allow blood to clot more readily.
"And in rare cases, arteries leading to the brain may tear more easily," says Dr Gretchen Tietjen, a professor of neurology at the University of Toledro.
These tears can cause vessels to narrow and clots to form.
Extra oestrogen from oral contraceptives (especially in smokers) or hormone create a perfect storm for a stroke.

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISKS

Low-dose aspirin has been shown to decrease stroke risk in women over 45 and may prevent migraines too.
Doctors can help you reduce the risks associated with abnormal arteries.
Maintaining healthyblood pressure is one way, but also ask your physician to order a routine blood test to determine whether you have markers for increased clotting .
If you do, discuss aspirin therapy, anticlotting medications, or alternatives to hormone therapy.

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