SEATTLE, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Migraine sufferers are twice as likely to suffer a stroke than those who don't have migraines, according to a report in this week's British Medical Journal.
Researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle and Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Canada, looked at 14 studies which investigated an association between stroke and migraine.
They found that the risk of stroke for migraine sufferers was 2.16 times that for non-sufferers.
Three of the studies also showed that women migraine sufferers who are also taking oral contraceptives were up to eight times more likely to suffer a stroke than those not taking the pill.
However, the researchers note the contraceptive findings are at odds with other studies, indicating the need for much more research in this area.
The increased risk of stroke is probably related to the reduced blood flow to the brain which usually occurs in a migraine, the study said.
