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Migraine Associated with Changes in Structure of Arteries

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A recent study by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania has shown the arteries supplying blood flow to the brain is more likely to be incomplete in people who experience migraine. The arterial supply of blood to the brain is protected by numerous connections between the major arteries which is known as the circle of Willis. Those who experience migraine and especially migraine with aura are more likely than those without migraine to be missing some components of the circle of Willis. These structural changes in the circle of Willis are something people are born with. In this study, which appeared in PLOS ONE, the researchers suggest that these structural alterations of the blood supply to the brain may increase susceptibility to changes in cerebral blood flow, which may contribute to abnormal neuronal activity … Read more

Do Migraines Lead to Cognitive Decline?

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While many experience migraines, there are many unanswered questions. One such question researchers are interested is whether or not those who experience migraine headaches are also more likely to experience cognitive decline when compare to those who don’t suffer. Previous studies have shown that migraines lead to increased risk of stroke and structural brain lesions. A study that appeared in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) on August 8, 2012 says “Previous studies on migraines and cognitive decline were small and unable to identify a link between… [migraines and cognitive decline]. Our study was large enough to draw the conclusion that migraines, while painful, are not strongly linked to cognitive decline.” The researchers looked at data from the Women’s Health Study, a cohort of nearly 40,000 women, 45 years and older. In this study, researchers analyzed data from 6,349 women who … Read more