News & Research

Migraine Linked to Blood Clots in Veins

People with migraine may be more likely to develop blood clots in their veins than those without, according to a study published today. Called venous thrombosis or thromboembolism, the blood clots can lead to strokes. Researchers speculate this is why people with migraine have a greater risk of stroke.

Studies of stroke and migraine implicate only people who have visual auras with their migraines. I wonder what migraine types the blood clot study participants had.

From Science Daily:

Of the [574] participants, 111 people had migraine. A total of 21 people with migraine also had one or more instances of venous thrombosis, or 19 percent. In comparison, 35 people without migraine had the condition, or 8 percent.

Researchers do not know why migraine and venous thrombosis are linked. One theory is that the blood of people with migraine may be more prone to clotting.

The study also found that people with migraine are not more likely to have hardening or narrowing of the arteries, which is contrary to a current theory.

3 thoughts on “Migraine Linked to Blood Clots in Veins”

  1. My father had surgery to his shoulder. He got a clot in his leg. Then he had to have sugery again to his shoulder, but thi time he got a clot to his lungs. He has the clot in his lungs for about 6 months. He has notied blood in his eye and is suffering from headaches. What could be happening?
    Thanks,
    Maria

  2. My chronic migraine problem got much better after I had a couple of very large blood clots in my lungs (pulmonary emboli) and went on the blood thinner coumadin. I was diagnosed with a clotting disorder and have often wondered if the migraines and the clotting disorder are connected.

  3. I read this study..although it is interesting and may add to the fund of knowledge on migraine it is important to remember that it is just one study. It has been shown in other studies that migraine WITH aura increases stroke risk, but the risk is not as great as obesity, smoking, or birth control pills.

    I think common sense and the recommendation of the authors (lifestyle risk factors) comes into play. The good news is that low dose aspirin for many people, may prevent thromboembolic type strokes.

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