ISCHEMIA-INDUCED MIGRAINE FROM PARADOXICAL CARDIOEMBOLIC STROKE

Although little is known on the pathophysiologic mechanism of migraine -related stroke, the prevailing attitude is that vasoconstriction and activation of clotting factors play a primary role. In 2 female patien ts presenting with migraine and stroke, risk profiles and history were consistent with this pathophysiologic mechanism. Cerebro- and cardiov ascular workup, however, led to a diagnosis of paradoxical cardioembol ic stroke through a patent foramen ovale. Since there is hardly any ev idence in the literature that migraine acts as a risk factor for strok e on its own, these case reports emphasize the importance of complete cardiovascular evaluation in patients with suspected migrainous stroke .