A new study published in Neurology followed nearly 11,400 people over the age of 45 for around six years. The aim was to examine the risk of stroke.
According to the researchers, people with regular migraines did not face a greater risk of stroke. However, the picture changed for those who experienced migraine with aura, HealthDay reports.
Aura refers to visual or sensory disturbances that occur before a migraine attack. These can include flashes of light or shimmering patterns, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Men surprised researchers
The study also revealed an unexpected difference between men and women. Men under the age of 72 with migraines had a significantly higher risk of stroke than other participants.
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Previous research has mainly identified women as the group most at risk. The researchers therefore believe more studies are needed.
The risk became clear later
During the study, around five percent of participants with migraine with aura experienced a stroke. Among people without migraines, the figure was approximately three percent.
The researchers concluded that migraine with aura was associated with a 73 percent higher risk of stroke among middle-aged and older adults.
Sources: HealthDay, Neurology, and Mayo Clinic.
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