Migraine as a risk factor for ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

Background Migraine and stroke are neurovascular diseases that have become a public health problem and a relatively high economic burden. The relationship between migraine and stroke has been described in the literature for a long time. Several studies reveal that migraine can be a risk factor for stroke. Methods We systematically searched PubMed using the PRISMA method and keywords according to MeSH terms to prepare this systematic review. We included published articles discussing migraine as a risk factor for ischemic stroke with a cohort study design and English article and listed the statistical value of the study. Results In our meta-analysis, we found that migraine significantly increases the incidence of ischemic stroke. There were 12 studies included in this systematic review, and a meta-analysis was performed. The results showed a significant association between migraine and ischemic stroke (HR 1.205, 95% CI 1.151–1.262 p = 0.000), migraine with aura and ischemic stroke (HR 1.442, 95% CI 1.241–1.675 p = 0.000), and migraine without aura and ischemic stroke (HR 1.126, 95% CI 1.048–1.211 p = 0.001). The exact mechanism of stroke caused by migraine is still unclear, although, in some theories, several mechanisms have been described that are thought to be the cause of stroke. Several important points of the cause of stroke in migraine are hemodynamic changes, endothelial dysfunction, cervical artery dissection, vascular reactivity, hypercoagulability, and abortive migraine drugs. Conclusions Both migraine with aura and without aura are risk factors for ischemic stroke. Several mechanisms that may cause ischemic stroke in migraine have been described, of which CSD-induced endothelial dysfunction is the primary pathophysiology of ischemic stroke in migraine.