Migraine

Until recently, Migraine was considered to be an episodic disease with no long-term consequences or effects. In the last few years, however, we've seen reports of studies suggesting that Migraine may well be associated with changes in the brain and may be a progressive disease. (See Is Migraine a Progressive Brain Disease? and Yes, Migraines Can Cause Brain Damage.

A new study funded**, in part, by the Migraine Research Foundation and published in JAMA confirms some earlier findings. Before we panic, however, let's take a good look at the study, it's implications, and where we go from here...

Continue reading Migraine with Aura Linked to Late-Life Brain Lesions.

Teri,

So these "late-life infarct-like lesions" are different from white matter changes? I'm assuming they would be seen as dark spots with no blood flow, not white spots.

I'm just curious, because I'm just turned 37, and on my last brain MRI I already have 20 white matter lesions. From migraine. MS and other factors have been ruled out. All of my lesions are cerebral, not cerebellar, so that's good news, according to the srudy that was cited in that article.

I just wonder and worry what studies like these mean for people like me who currently have very poor control over migraine frequency, though I am currently working with a good doc.

Melissa,

Good question, though I'm not quite sure of the answer. I need to get someone to get me a couple of MRI images.

In any case, what studies like this mean to ALL of us is to stay on top of things and keep working toward the best possible treatment regimens -- AND to talk with our doctors about reducing other modifiable stroke risks.