Response to article published today in the British Medical Journal on migraine and stroke

This study adds to the growing body of evidence of a link between migraine and an increased risk of ischaemic stroke, particularly in women taking oral contraceptives. Further research is needed to fully understand the reason behind this link.

However, other risk factors such as high blood pressure and smoking may also have a role. Migraine sufferers who may have such risk factors and are intending to take oral contraception should be advised accordingly.

Anyone who has concerns about this issue should discuss them with their GP. The Stroke Association is dedicated to furthering understanding into the causes, treatment and prevention of stroke through the funding of research in these fields.

---ENDS---

For media enquiries, please contact a member of the Media Team on 020 7566 1500 or e-mail press@stroke.org.uk

Notes to editor

1. Each year over 130,000 people in England and Wales have a stroke. Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation. Stroke has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition. A quarter of a million people are living with long-term disability as a result of stroke in the UK.

2. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services. These include dysphasia support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. We also campaign, educate and inform to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society and we act as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

3. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, parts of the brain become damaged or destroyed. Some strokes are fatal whist others can cause permanent or temporary paralysis to one side of the body and loss of the ability to speak, read or write. Recovery may be slow and can vary from person to person.

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