Migraine Aura May Signal Higher Stroke Risk in Midlife

A large cohort study suggests migraine with aura, especially in middle-aged and older adults, may help identify people who need closer stroke risk counseling.

Migraine with aura was linked to a higher risk of ischemic stroke over about 6 years in adults aged 45 and older. Migraine without aura did not show the same signal. The most unexpected finding was in men under age 72, where migraine with or without aura was associated with a much higher stroke risk. This does not prove migraine causes stroke, but it su…